Leaders of the Kuki region within the Naga National political fold have issued a statement reaffirming their support for the Indo-Naga peace process and the Agreed Position signed between the Government of India and the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
In a statement issued by C Singson, Kilonser (MCL), and Lenjakam Haokip, RAO of the Kuki Region, the leaders recalled the historic role played by Kukis in the Naga movement. “On January 10, 1929, when the Naga Club submitted the memorandum to the British Statutory Commission, also known as Simon Commission, our very own Pu Lengjang Kuki was one of the signatories,” the statement read. The memorandum had called for the Nagas to be granted the right to self-determination after the British left India.
“This spirit of resilience, commitment and determination guides the indigenous Kuki community in Nagaland till today,” the leaders stated, adding that Kukis in Nagaland “share a common vision with the Naga people” and are “actively involved” in the peace process.
Referring to the Agreed Position signed on 17 November 2017 between the Government of India and the WC, NNPGs, the Kuki leaders said the agreement “entrenched Naga history, identity and political rights,” and that the subsequent political negotiations have provided a roadmap for an “honorable and acceptable political solution” already available in the form of a “Status Paper.”
While acknowledging splits among senior leaders of different political groups, the statement asserted that “these are non-ideological differences,” and emphasized that “all leaders agree that Indo-Naga political solution, as and when announced, would be welcomed.”
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Lauding the leadership of N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN and Convener of WC, NNPGs, the Kuki region said his stewardship “is critically necessary” at this juncture of Naga history.
In a direct appeal to Naga leaders, the statement urged: “It is a momentous time Naga civil societies, apex tribal bodies, the Nagaland State Government, the Church, the student bodies and concerned prominent citizens of Nagaland and beyond to engage with the Naga political groups and assist in the discourse of convergence for a practical, honorable and acceptable political solution with the Gol.”
