Mokokchung, 27 January (MTNews): In a strongly-worded denouncement, the Naga Hoho, in solidarity with other organizations, unequivocally condemned the statement of MLA Imkong L Imchen on the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Imchen’s alleged collaboration with the Union Home Minister to support the installation of a smart fence along the Indo-Myanmar boundary and endorse the ban on the FMR was labeled a “grievous betrayal to the Naga people and a sinister assault on our intrinsic right to self-determination” by the Hoho.
The Naga Hoho contends that Imchen’s purported endorsement of the Centre’s decision to terminate the FMR contradicts the “very principle of Naga Integration,” for which he had previously advocated as one of the MLAs who voted for Naga integration during the passage of a resolution in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
“Naga people are well aware of Imkong L Imchen’s political flip-flopping since his Congress days exposes a disconcerting pattern of opportunism and political expediency, leaving the Naga populace disillusioned,” stated the Hoho.
The Hoho further stated that the “Naga resistance against the annulment of FMR isn’t merely a cry for geographical unity but an assertion of our shared identity and vision for a united future.”
Therefore, the Naga Hoho urged Imchen, in his capacity as a Legislator, to propose viable solutions without drawing inspiration from what they describe as an unpardonable flaw – the arbitrary demarcation of the international boundary through the Chief’s house at Longwa village, Mon, by India and Burma.
“This blatant betrayal by a Naga Legislator, colluding against our sovereign rights, is met with the sharpest rebuke from the NH,” it added, calling his actions “a stab in the back” and asserted that history will remember him as a “turncoat to his own people.”
“As the world watches, the NH stoutly proclaims this statement as an assertion of our unwavering commitment to Naga self-determination and sovereignty. The resounding condemnation of Imchen’s actions by the NH is a clarion call for justice and a cry against the betrayal of our collective vision for momentary political gains,” it added.
According to the press statement, the issue was discussed by the Hoho in its 2nd Federal Assembly of Naga Hoho held on 23rd January 2024.