DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 28: Deadlines come and deadlines go, but the Naga political issue seems to be trudging a murky political swamp. Nagaland-based Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), a lesser known group called the Global Naga Forum (GNF) and apparently Naga women representatives from different Naga areas have now waded into the swamp by writing to the Prime Minister of India for integration of contiguous Naga traditional homeland as part of the long protracted Naga peace deal.
In an appeal to the Prime Minister, the signatories, all women, stated that it is an opportune time for a new beginning, new political ties and better relationship between India and Naga people. Stating that the recognition of the rights and history of the Nagas, be it in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Myanmar, must be respected, they said due cognizance must be taken that Naga people who dwell in these places were arbitrarily divided.
The ‘appeal’ was signed by Abeiu Meru, NMA President and Prof Rosemary Dzuvichu, Advisor, NMA , Asha Wungnam, President, Manipur-based Naga Women Union, Ningreichon Tungshang and Neikesanuo Sorhie, former Convenors of NPMHR, Delhi, a Yutan Sunya from Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh and a Miriam from the Rengma Rengma Hills, Assam.
The 5 signatories urged for respect and recognition for the Naga Flag and said it is “not just symbolic, but a banner that has held as a people and unites the Naga people, irrespective of tribe, age, gender, political groups and affiliation.” They further stated, “It is a part of Naga identity and our long history of struggle”, they stated adding, “Thousands have laid their lives under the banner of Naga Flag and demanded that Naga Flag must be recognized.”
The 5 signatories also stated that Naga Constitution is not a book of law, “but will be a living document that reflects our values and philosophy to guide us as a people and protect our customs and traditions, our land and resources, from any form of exploitation.”
The 5 signatories also stated that they believed that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi recognized them as the primary basis and foundation to a durable solution and hoped that the settlement would be formidable and would bring a sustainable peace to the land. They also shared their concerns with the Prime Minister of man-made borders and boundaries that divide the Nagas and said the settlement should embrace “our lineage and history and recognition of the rights of our Nagas beyond the international borders”.
They urged that the settlement must be inclusive of all NPGs so that “our children and younger generation will live in an environment, free from war and violence and live in dignity as a people.” (Page News Service)
