Mokokchung, 2 July (MTNews): In the midst of the escalating ‘cold war’ between the Naga Political Groups, the Working Committee of the NNPGs (Naga National Political Groups) have responded to an article written by Rev Seksim Kasar, the General Secretary of the Council of Nagalim Churches and accused the reverend of being “desirous of name and fame” in his latest article titled “An advice to the advisors and leaders of WC NNPGs.”
Reverend Kasar had previously criticized the WC NNPGs in his article for allegedly hiring a “ghost writer” for NNPGs’ publication titled “Understanding the ailing Naga generation: WC NNPGs.” Furthermore, Kasar questioned the commitment of WC NNPGs to the “A Joint Accordant” agreement and the subsequent “Naga Relationship and Cooperation” which aimed to explore ways for Nagas to move forward based on their historical and political rights.
The Working Committee of the NNPGs on Sunday responded to Reverend Kasar’s allegations by challenging him to thoroughly review all the coordinated meetings, covenants, and declarations facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) since 2009. They have asked the reverend to shed light on “who fiddled with the sentiment of the Naga people all these years.”
According to the NNPGs, the contents of the Joint Declaration signed on January 14, 2023, between WC NNPGs, NSCN (IM), and NSCN (K) under the aegis of FNR were nullified and rejected by their own MIP (Ministry of Information and Publicity) statement on January 19, 2023 although the statement was signed by their President Q Tuccu. Consequently, the NNPGs have demanded an explanation for why a declaration signed by N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN & Convener WC NNPGs, and Mr Q Tuccu, President and Chairman NSCN (IM), was disregarded.
In response to Rev Kasar’s allegation that the NNPGs have “willfully converted to be foot soldiers of the Indian intelligence,” the NNPGs took a dig at the reverend’s statement by emphasizing that they are not constantly guarded by Indian Z+ security or accommodated in designated bungalows in Delhi.
“We do not stay in MPs designated Bungalow in Delhi either. Who has swallowed the Indian bait? Please focus on the Gospel of Christ and the Church. Desist from employing vitriolic imagination,” the NNPGs added.
Regarding the historical role of American Baptist missionaries in the Naga region, the NNPGs agreed with Rev Kasar but pointed out that the terms “Naga Hills For Christ” and later “Nagaland For Christ” were used, not Nagalim. The NNPGs cautioned the reverend to be cautious with the term “Nagalim” since it is not used outside his camp, and they claimed it was never used in the 2015 Framework Agreement either.
“You would be called a liar. Nagalim was not used even in your FA of 2015. American missionaries back then never used that word for our land. It was “Nagaland” and will always remain so,” the NNPGs added.
The NNPGs also criticized the NSCN-IM, stating that representatives of the Naga Nation should practice transparency by explaining political matters to the people they represent. They emphasized that Nagas cannot be blindfolded and forced to accept any political document signed by WC NNPGs, NSCN (IM), or any other group without full disclosure.
“When you represent a Nation, Naga Nation in this case, at a negotiating table, you go back to the people and explain to the very people you represent. You have to lay bare all political matters before the people. Nagas cannot be blindfolded and be forced to chew and swallow any political document signed either by WC NNPGs or NSCN (IM),” the NNPGs stated.
The NNPGs asserted that they are not Indian agents or puppets, stating that if that were the case, WC NNPGs would not have come this far. They appreciated Revd Kasar’s invitation to join hands with CNC in providing relief and humanitarian aid to those affected by the situation in Manipur and expressed their commitment to continue helping and offered their prayer support, believing that God’s will would ultimately prevail.
“We assure our prayer support too as there is an evil policy at work but in the final analysis, the will of God will prevail,” the NNPGs concluded.