Mokokchung, August 5 (MTNews): Thousands of people participated in the public rally organized by the Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) demanding an early solution to the Naga political issue in Dimapur on Friday.

 

Public rally in Dimapur organized by NPAC on Friday, August 5.
Shops in Mokokchung Town remained closed from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon on Friday in solidarity with the NPAC rally in Dimapur. (MTNews photo)

 

Khondao Ngullie, secretary of NPAC said in a press release received here that the rally held on Friday was one of the biggest gatherings ever witnessed in recent times, “which shows that the people of Nagaland really want an early political solution.” He thanked all the Dimapur-based civil organizations and individuals for making the rally a huge success.

 

The meeting was conducted by the president DUCCF, Tsenthungo Nyamo and edicatory prayer was pronounced by Yanbemo Ovung, Sr Pastor LBCD. Short speeches were delivered by Meren Nokpu, President ASTD; Kekongchim Yimkhiung, former president, ENPO; Elizabeth, Publicity Secretary, Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur; Dr. Khekugha Muru, president, CNCCI; and Shikuto Zalipu, General Secretary, NGBF.

 

Theja Therie, Convenor NPAC read out the public representation to be submitted to the Prime Minister of India through the Governor of Nagaland.

 

Representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

 

In a representation to the Prime Minister, the Naga People’s Action Committee (NPAC) urged the Indian government to “implement the concluded political negotiations into solution without any further delay.”

 

The committee in the letter emphasized how the 25 years of political negotiations—which started in 1997—between the GOI and the Nagaland negotiators had adversely affected the lives of each individual and family in the state of Nagaland. It claimed that the unending negotiating process had severely harmed the entire system of governance.

 

“The unresolved political issue has heralded in unimaginable cycle of corruption at all levels, crippling public health care, education and overall infrastructure developments which are in shambles for obvious reasons to say the least. Unresolved Naga issues has produced countless scoundrels and thieves and in the name of political issue, threats and intimidations have stifled the growth of a perceived Naga society, which you assured, would be a vibrant one,” it read.

 

The committee also stated that the lack of a fair welfare system and effective governance has caused the economic well-being of Naga families to “completely collapse,” and that the consequences are “frightening.” The committee argued that the brilliantly educated unemployed and school dropouts whose futures are now destroyed are the ultimate victims.

 

“Entrepreneurship and asset creation are critical components in a society like ours. Government projects are siphoned off brazenly through percentage cuts and shares. Private businesses are grossly extorted by armed groups. Without a political settlement, we foresee thousands of futureless fresh, youthful, highly qualified angry men and Women taking up guns to challenge those stifling their growth and progress,” it further read.

 

“Your promise to the Nagas has not been fulfilled as yet. Prime minister Sir, is it not a betrayal to our people, considering that negotiations with Naga groups have officially concluded?” posed the representation.

 

NPAC emphasized that the ceasefire and the political negotiations taking place in its peaceful atmosphere are merely a means to an end and added that it would be a betrayal to the public of Nagaland if the means were to be nurtured as the end.

 

“We expect GOI to appreciate the patience of the citizens of Nagaland all these 25 years because the people yearn for genuine peace in the region which can be brought in by political solution alone,” it said.

 

The committee also recalled how, in 2018, the civil society organizations and all political parties, including the BJP, unequivocally demanded a solution prior to the election and the BJP violated the people’s trust by filing their nominations under the slogan “Election for Solution,” which was against their will and wishes.

 

The representation urged the Government of India to implement the concluded political negotiations at the earliest stating that, “the rally is a firm signal to the Government of India (GOI) that the people of Nagaland will welcome the political solution and uphold it under any circumstances.”

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