Ukhrul Aug 3: A thanksgiving programme in commemoration of the historic Indo-Naga Framework Agreement of 3rd August 2015 was observed at WTR Hall, Ukhrul on Saturday.
Naga’s resistance for self determination began many years back. Naga nationalists traced the beginning of Naga resistance against incursions into their territory to the time of the Tai-Ahom invasion in the thirteenth century. The Tai people came from what is today the border between Myanmar and China’s Yunnan province. The Tai (or Shan) people are called Ahom in India. “Naga resistance is not recent – its history goes back to the 13th century” according to Nandita Haksar and Sebastian M Hongray, who collect the testimonies of key individuals associated with the Naga armed resistance. This was reiterated by Ato Kilonser, Thuingaleng Muivah in an interview “It would be a serious mistake if one thinks that the submission of a memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929 was the birth of Naga nationalism.
The Nagas’ history did not start with this incident. Alien forces in the past had met with stiff resistance from the Nagas—the Shans from the east and the Ahoms from the west, prior to the British intrusion into Nagaland. The British suffered many setbacks from the resistance put up by the Nagas. All these acts actuated from the love of their country. Indeed, Nagas were zealous of their homeland. The formation of the Naga Club and the submission of the memorandum to the Simon Commission are, of course, historic in that the Naga Club officially represented the Nagas and the memorandum expressed the national aspiration of the Nagas as a whole.”
Related news | Naga resistance is not recent – its history goes back to the 13th century
CAO of WTR, Ayung Sayai stated that “No one can add or subtract what is being enshrined in the Framework Agreement. It is a historic agreement, a political structure and a roadmap for the future of the Nagas. There is conflict in the competencies of the Framework Agreement due to lack of sincerity from the Union Government of India. Framework Agreement is the outcome of more than 80 rounds of talks held between Government of India and NSCN/GPRN. Under the Collective Leadership of NSCN/GPRN, the Nagas are observing the Framework Agreement in letter and spirit.”
“The acceptance of the “uniqueness of Naga history” by the Government of India in itself is unique. Because “uniqueness” here denotes political terms, position and aspirations of the Naga people. Even if we are to co-exist as a good neighbour, sovereignty shall lie with its own people (Naga-India) as two different identities and entities” added Ayung Sayai.
“Flag and Constitution are integral parts of the Framework Agreement.
The sincerity on the part of the Union of India will determine the outcome of the ongoing peace talks and final solution for the prolonged Indo-Naga crisis.”
Speech of His Excellency The Yaruiwo was read out by S. Konghar to the congregation.
Patriotism feast was organised. The programme was attended by TNL, TNWL, TSL, TKS, TMNL, HKL, THYSO, HSL and others.