The Govt of India as to have signed the agreement on this day six years ago stating to have recognised the unique history, culture and position of the Nagas and their sentiments and aspirations, the anniversary was observed at Maram Union Secretariat Hall, Senapati. The event was organised by Frontal Organizations of Senapati including the Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) and the Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA).
In his keynote and welcome speech, Jonah Mao, K., General Secretary of the NPO stated that the signing of the Framework Agreement has brought a ray of hope for the Nagas hoping to achieve the long cherished dream of the people. However, with lots of differences in opinions had delayed this far to attain the dream, he stated. While the people have been longing to see in reality, the NPO Secretary also sought to remember the leaders in prayers so as to bring an honourable solution in future.
Joyson Mazamo, Convenor, NPMHR (South) in his speech quoted various misconducts post signing of the FA. The human rights leader also lamented on the activities of the Govt of India as unfair in many aspects for the Nagas. The signing of the FA was considered as to have opened up lots of opportunities but has been hindered due to insincerity of the Govt of India.
Thiirtung Wanglar, President, All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) stated that the statement given by the Prime Minister of India is very questionable when he made post signing of the FA. While the people hope and pray expecting the Indo-Naga political issue would be settled in a very honourable manner by both the parties, since then shared sovereignty solution has been the paradigm shift for resolving the issue. However, over the last few years, the Govt of India and the NSCN-IM have not reached any final agreement to implement the FA through negotiations. The PM Nraendra Modi had earlier stated as the signing of the FA was a shining example of what both entities could achieve when dealt with each other in a spirit of equality and respect, trust and confidence. Having attained 6 years post having said this, it is time that action should speak louder than words, the student leader asserted.
Asha Wungnam, President, Naga Women’s Union (NWU) stated that more than 60 rounds of talks were held at the highest level during the past. People have been waiting for these long years considering if the FA would bring any tangible solution to the protracted Indo-Naga Political solution. The Nagas were happy to hear the signing of the ceasefire agreement way back in 1997 as everyone knows the woes between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN. The women leader also mentioned a 5 members team from Naga women had met the Prime Minister of India in the past who had placed their aspirations from the women delegates. The delegates had reportedly apprised the PM that there would be no more bloodshed and fear post signing of the FA. However, such activities of torture, harassment and arrests still continue to prevail in the land till date. While urging all to stand boldly as a Naga, the women leader also urged to seek the Living God and pray to give leaders with principles.
Kho John, President, United Naga Council (UNC) stated that the signing of the FA is historic where it was signed at the residence of the Prime Minister of India in broad daylight. Two important points during the signing of the FA just cannot go unattended by the Govt of India as “To co-exist as two entities and shared sovereign power.” The UNC leader also lamented on the back tracking of R.N. Ravi, the interlocutor in the past. The NSCN-IM had earlier rejected the presence of R.N. Ravi seeing the back track of the interlocutor. The promises of the Prime Minister of India to solve the Indo-Naga political issue within 18 months is just a castle in the air where it had borne any fruits even after 6 years. While urging that everyone has one’s own responsibility, the UNC President sought the contribution from each individual till it achieves its final settlement. Due to lack of public cooperation in the past, movement was weakened on different occasions in the past, he mentioned. The UNC leader regretted that no elected representatives take part in the movement to pave way for early solution while asking the contribution from all people in their own ways for early solution.
The program was attended by representatives of the district CSOs, national workers and other dignitaries where it was held under strict observation of the given SOPs and guidelines issued by the state Govt.
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