Peace of Mind Needs a Chance

Soon after the return of 4,000 Nagas from Europe in 1918, having served the Allied Forces in the 1st World War with distinction and commitment, the elders who breathed the air of freedom and defended the independence of others found themselves enlightened by the very idea of freedom and Independence for their own homeland. The idea fermented into what is known as the formation of Naga Club in 1918. The submission of the Memorandum to Simon Commission in 1929 gave new meaning and direction to the Naga elders, who by now were very clear about the future political arrangements in the event of the British leaving India after 400 years. The ultimate fruition of the nearly three decade political undercurrent was the formation of the Naga National Council on 2nd February 1946. At that point of Naga History, Civil societies and NGOs had not yet appeared on the horizon to make any positive or negative impact on the National struggle. The only platform for the Naga people to voice their political aspiration was the NNC.
GPRN/NSCN is aware that today there are more than 90 Naga tribes and sub-tribes scattered across Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal and in Myanmar. While appreciating the view and opinion of Naga Hoho and NSF with regard to their open letter to Mr. Kughalu Mulatonu, Envoy to Collective Leadership, NSCN, dated 12th June 2010, GPRN/NSCN would like to clarify that the press conference was held right after the joint council meeting of the GPRN/NSCN which was also attended by senior Kilonsers. GPRN/NSCN stands for the right of every Naga tribe and sub-tribe spread across India and Myanmar and if any apolitical organization imprisons its wisdom and activity to patronize one faction and one region, it loses its credibility. The activities of the two organizations has left every sensible Naga pointing out that that two organizations have sold themselves to a particular faction. Credibility of any organization will naturally evaporate. If the Naga Hoho and the NSF feels the envoy is “dehumanizing, warning and questioning the credibility of civil societies” GPRN/NSCN would only appeal to the two organizations to retain hope and confidence of the entire Naga people. Their actions and intensions should not force other Nagas to view it with contempt. Today there are just seven tribes under the banner of Naga Hoho and another seven units under NSF in the state of Nagaland, Can the Nagas deny it? It is very clear that ENPO and ENSF have more Naga tribal representatives than the Naga Hoho or NSF. Will the GOI appease 15% Nagas and leave 85% fuming? Truly a drastic re-evaluation of Naga Hoho and NSF by Naga people is needed if it truly wishes to reflect the voice of the Nagas.
At the all India Chief Minister’s conference in New Delhi last winter, the Chief Minister of Nagaland state declared that IM was working hand in glove with Indian Mujahiddins. If the Chief Minister of Nagaland state believes it, Naga Hoho and NSF has little to complain. Naga Nation and its salvation is greater that any Hoho or Civil Society. It harbors no ill will against any organization however it will also not be afraid to point out the mistakes for common good.
If the Nagas would look deeper into the living room of Naga politics, it is very clear that individuals heading frontal organizations are clearly inconsistent, wise in double talks, adept in changing tones every season. Habitually toeing the line of any political group they meet is a reality, miserably failing to act as peace brokers in the process. Perhaps Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is the only exception. Whether it is the Naga Hoho, NSF or the NPMHR, the legacy of biasness continue to this day which is extremely detrimental to Naga reconciliation and unity. For anyone to contest this truth, the 13 years of fruitless negotiation between IM and GOI with fullest possible support of Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR including hollow political propaganda stands testimony to this fact. This is why GPRN/NSCN calls on the Nagas to first identify the parasites that hides underneath the garments of Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR. GPRN/NSCN would regretfully point out that factional clashes, on many occasions, occurred because the frontal leaders carrying olive branches also carried acid bottles underneath, killing any hope for peace. Biased leadership engaging in biased diplomacy is the bane of Nagas. When a simple body language could easily give away a person’s true intentions, Naga Hoho and NSF cannot sing pop music in the church and expect the Nagas to sing along. Truly there should be a meeting point between all classes of people. GPRN/NSCN would once again appeal to all Nagas not to handle situations with pre-conceived mind. It is also ready to meet individuals and Organization to put at rest any doubt or misgiving.

Hothrong Yimchungru,
Kilo Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN.