Concerned over the protracted state of the vexed Naga political issue, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) on Friday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing his attention towards expediting the ongoing peace dialogue for an early settlement.
This was announced by AS Ramnganing and Kaphaoleng Angkang, president and general secretary of TNWL, in a press conference which was convened at Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA) office soon after the village chiefs’ association formally handed over the memorandum through the office of the Deputy Commissioner at around 2:30 pm.
The chiefs’ body also sought the attention of the Centre to the demand of the Nagas demands for a separate flag and constitution which should form the basis for the pending final settlement, they said.
Maintaining that village chiefs/headmen are the guardians of the community and its ancestral lands, they said: “We have moral responsibilities to bring out the concern about the future of our people and our land with regard to the outcome of the ongoing political talks, under the chief negotiator Th Muivah and collective leadership of NSCN.”
“We are inseparable with our land, flag and constitution. These elements, therefore, must form the core of the final outcome of the political negotiation,” TNWL, a conglomeration of 250 Tangkhul villages, mentioned in the memorandum.
“We write to you with a sense of urgency on the recurring discord over the separate Naga flag and constitution which is etched in the history, as a way of living and a guide to the Naga people and their vision,” the memo further stated.
On a positive note, the village chiefs’ body noted the 23 years of political dialogue has ensured better understanding between the Naga people and the Government of India and appreciation for what the Nagas have endured for nearly 80 years because of the unresolved political issue.
While anticipating an inclusive and broad-guage solution, it said: “History has clearly demonstrated that the final peace agreement cannot be shelved in a phased manner.”
“Mr. Prime Minister, we recall the message you delivered in your overseas outreach mission after the signing of the historic Framework Agreement in 2015 and we continue to repose faith in the same leadership,” TNWL stated in the memo, while expressing hope that a peaceful solution would come in his (Modi) time.
“We wish you good health, determination and clarity of direction to put an end to conflicts that caused great suffering to both India and the Nagas,” it added.
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