|
Nagaland : Chief Minister Rio backs Naga integration |
 |
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to people to support “pan-Naga nationalism”, saying it needed to be nurtured.
Addressing a seminar on Integration of Naga Homeland, Rio promised his government’s unstinting support to the demand for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas.
“Pan-Naga nationalism is a youthful movement and needs to be nurtured and supported by all of us, lest it fall by the wayside,” the chief minister said.
Though the movement is young, it is not lacking in “profundity and legitimacy”, he said.
Explaining the concept of independent village communities of tribes that would come together under a single administrative roof, Rio said in this context it was irrefutable that integration is “the birthright of the Nagas”.
He recounted the formation of the Naga Club in 1917 and how it submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929.
Rio said until the goal of integration was achieved, successive governments should adopt resolutions in the Assembly in support of the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas.
Nagaland’s House passed four resolutions to this effect in 1964, 1970, 1994 and, after the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland took over, in 2003. Ever since British rule began, the Nagas had always owned their land, which is different from the position now prevailing in other parts of the “Indian Union”, he argued.
The chief minister said the distinction was significant and strengthened the case for integration.
Significantly, Rio also made an observation on the pace of the Naga peace process. “If we really want to survive as a people or a nation, we must work out an amicable and acceptable solution to our Naga political problem before it is too late,” he said.
He added, “Unless we get ourselves involved in this political process, we will never understand the joy and value of freedom even when it comes.”
The seminar was organised by the Naga Hoho and the Working Group on Integration/Unification of “Naga homeland” floated by the Hoho. Discussions followed every session.
|
