Lok Sabha MP Jamir calls for collective responsibility in resolving Naga Political Issue

Lok Sabha MP Suponmeren Jamir emphasized the need for collective responsibility and collaborative efforts to address the long-standing Naga political issue. Speaking at a visiting and interaction program with the Naga Council Dimapur today, Jamir highlighted the critical role of the 24 factions fighting for Naga freedom and the importance of their alignment with the welfare of the Naga people.

“Those 24 factions are fighting for our freedom. We should also consider their welfare. At the same time, those 24 factions also have the responsibility to see to our welfare. When they are fighting for us, we all have equal responsibility. There should not be any communication gap now,” Jamir stated.

He questioned the Government of India’s (GoI) delay in resolving the issue, citing broken promises and prolonged waiting periods for solutions.

“I have to put a question to the Government of India: Why is there no solution yet? Why are you allowing us to wait for 7-9 years after the agreement? Why has the government given false hope to the ENPO people?” Jamir asked.

Regarding the agreements signed between the Naga Political Groups and Government of India, the Lok Sabha MP questioned what the ceasefire monitoring cells have been doing.

“They are taking it very lightly. The ceasefire monitoring cell is not active, and we have to say that the ceasefire monitoring cell is failing,” Jamir asserted.

“How in the daylight market are people being shot dead? The business establishments are shifting to Khatkhati because they are not comfortable staying in Dimapur. Who is losing? Dimapur’s economy is going down. They are shifting to Khatkhati. Who is responsible? The state government is also responsible, but our NGOs and parent bodies are also responsible. We should also take up the matter. One businessman leaving our state is a loss for our state. We have to give protection to them,” Jamir said.

Jamir also highlighted the excessive taxation burden faced by those in remote areas, citing examples of trucks transporting goods to places like Mokokchung, Zunheboto, and Kiphire, where they are subjected to 30-40 different taxes. He called for urgent action to address this issue to alleviate the financial strain on residents in these far-flung regions.

“For example, one truckload going to Mokokchung, Zunheboto, or the farthest road to Kiphire, they have to pay around 30-40 taxes. Just imagine how our brothers in those far-flung areas can pay for those commodities. We have a situation where in Nagaland itself we have to pay about 30-40 taxes. We have to take up responsibility,” Jamir stated.

Jamir emphasized the need for collective responsibility and active participation from all stakeholders, including the state government, NGOs, and parent bodies, to address these pressing issues and ensure the welfare of the Naga people.

“We all should be in touch with the state government and advice them too. At the same time, why not do our responsibility too? Let us expedite this at the earliest,” said Jamir.

The MP underlined the necessity of joint efforts and leadership to resolve ongoing problems, stressing that without such collaboration, the issues would remain unresolved. He noted the unified presence of 20 Naga tribes and four federating units at the event and expressed his commitment to seeking their blessings for the collective cause. Jamir also highlighted the broader responsibilities of councilors, officials, and federating units towards both the Naga and minority communities.

Jamir vowed to raise these issues in parliament, criticizing the GoI for its handling of the Naga political issue and calling for the activation of the ceasefire monitoring cell and reconsideration of AFSPA enforcement despite peace agreements.

“AFSPA is still enforced despite the ceasefire agreement, peace accord, and other agreements. What logic is that?” Jamir questioned, urging for a reassessment of such policies.

MT