Dimapur, 30 June (MTNews): The NSCN-Nikki has cautioned against ‘Indianization’ of Naga political aspirations on Friday. In a ‘precautionary note for introspection’ issued by its MIP, the NSCN-Nikki signaled that any Indian political arrangement in Naga lands should not be the harbinger of division within Naga society or an obstruction to the Naga political goals.
On the matter of Frontier Naga Territory, the NSCN-Nikki opined that ENPO areas have ‘very genuine’ grievance when it comes to demanding parity in terms of economic development; however, it viewed that all apex Naga CSOs should have been more welcoming and accommodating with the mechanisms or arrangements being worked out “amongst us” before involving Government of India (GoI).
“The concerns of our Eastern brothers should have been handled much better in cordial collaboration with the so-called ‘Advance Tribes’,” it said.
“We should not be oblivious to the political churnings or the turbulent happenings in our neighborhood,” it said, adding that Nagas should be deeply mindful of their political aspirations, “lest it be muddled like the ones doing the rounds in our neighborhood.” It said that Manipur State is “a case in point planned by the adversaries who have willfully aided in the chaos; which has been long in the making, due to the insidious policy of divide and rule.”
The organization warned that factionalism among the Nagas has been exploited by adversaries to weaken their collective strength and gain control over Naga territories. “Factionalism has always been a welcomed sight in the eyes of our adversary, who has generously accepted it as a means to further divide us to a manageable size,” emphasized the NSCN-Nikki.
“All the ruling parties of the adversary have always maintained their policy of encouraging directly or indirectly, so as to exacerbate factionalism among us to further strengthen their political reign over our land and people,” it stated.
Furthermore, it criticized the arbitrary sidelining of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which it said erodes the provisions of Article 371(a) of the Indian Constitution.
“The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has once again been arbitrarily sidelined, eroding the existing provisions of the controversial Article 371(a) of the Constitution of India,” voiced the NSCN-Nikki.
Referring to Manipur as a case in point, the NSCN-Nikki urged Nagas to be vigilant and protect their political aspirations from being compromised. They highlighted the conflicts between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur and questioned the potential for further divisions within Naga society.
“Manipur is one classic example that should open our eyes wide to the ominous fate that awaits the Nagas. Kuki vs Meitei, next round UNC vs? Any Indian political arrangement in Naga lands shouldn’t be the harbinger of division within our Naga society or an obstruction to the Naga political goals,” cautioned the NSCN-Nikki.
The NSCN-Nikki asserted that the Naga people themselves are the sole hope for the realization of their political aspirations and that neither the Government of India nor any other entity can fulfill those aspirations on their behalf.
“The Naga people are the only hope for the attainment of Naga political aspirations; neither GOI nor anyone can fulfill our aspirations,” affirmed the NSCN-Nikki.