EKHON | UKHRUL: The solution must encompass the entirety of Naga territories; anything less would be a disservice, falling short of the honorable course that upholds Nagas’ sovereignty and political rights said Naga Army General Anthony Ningkhan Shimray at the recently held Foothill Naga’s public discourse on Indo-Naga Political Talk at Sada Lungthar.
In his speech, the Naga General gave an overview of the demand of the Naga people at the Indo-Naga political talks. His speech reads;
“This day, I’m not here for tourism or sightseeing. I’m not here as the chief of the Naga Army for any form of conflict, but rather to champion and advocate for the political rights of the Nagas. The foothill areas hold immense importance, and they cannot be overlooked by the government. It’s not merely a matter of what is on a map, but a historical legacy—our ancestral ownership forms a vital part of the greater Nagalim.
The Framework agreement, born from competencies, signifies that integration isn’t just an ambition; it’s the rightful position wherever Nagas reside. In the integration principle of democracy, sovereignty rests with the people. Sovereignty isn’t confined by demarcations; it exists wherever the Nagas are, entwined within our ancestral lands and Naga history.
As of now, in peace talks, our focus is not on negotiating sovereignty or political rights; that’s already settled. The main focus is on achieving a final solution. Recognizing integration is crucial; there are two forms: political integration through the National Regional Territorial Council and Regional Autonomous Territorial Council and subsequent geographical integration.
The Government of India acknowledges Naga integration, but geographical integration will follow political integration. The political integration encompasses all Naga-inhabited areas and ancestral lands. There exist conflicts and disputes with families and neighbors regarding land usurpation, likewise not an inch of Naga land will be compromised. Resolution or amicable understanding with stakeholders is imperative; failing which, there’s a risk of bloodshed—something we vehemently aim to avoid. It’s important to note that this integration isn’t contingent upon stakeholders; it’s firmly rooted in the ancestral political rights and position of the Nagas.
Wars across the globe often stem from the failure to acknowledge each other’s unique historical and political rights. However, in contrast, the Nagas are fortunate as the Government of India has acknowledged and recognized the distinctive history of the Nagas during a joint communique at Amsterdam on 30th July 2002, for which we are grateful and give thanks to God.
In the third stanza of the framework agreement signed between the GoI and the NSCN, it says ” Both sides have understood each other’s respective positions and are cognizant of the universal principles that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people. Accordingly the Government of India and the NSCN, respecting people’s wishes for sharing the sovereign power as defined in the competencies, reached an agreement on the 3rd August, 2015 as an honourable solution.” The Framework agreement stands as the repository of the solution, crystal clear in its provisions. Presently, our focus rests on the imminent arrival of the final solution, intricately linked and anchored within the comprehensive guidelines laid out in the Framework agreement.
The solution must encompass the entirety of Naga territories; anything less would be a disservice, falling short of the honorable course that upholds Nagas’ sovereignty and political rights. Recognizing the concerns regarding the foothill areas of what is in the maps is not the main concern; however, we’ll reach a consensus through the Pan Naga Hoho, serving as an overarching entity guided by customary law. The Pan Naga Hoho is governing body that aims to represent and oversee various aspects of Nagalim, including social, cultural, religious, linguistic, and customary matters until a final solution for the Nagas is implemented. It is designed to exercise executive power over these domains within the broader Nagalim region. This body will transcend borders, encompassing all Naga territories, wielding of approximately 130 representatives to ensure fair and equitable representation—irrespective of tribe—under the common banner of Naga citizenship. Offices abroad under the Pan Naga Hoho will proudly display the Naga flag, symbolizing our unity and identity while allowing Nagas worldwide to partake in global forums and events like the Olympics, proudly bearing the Naga flag. This identity are not just mere emblems; they encapsulate our heritage and unity, binding us together as a singular Naga community.
To all ethnic minorities residing in Naga lands, our doors are open if you wish to join our community. Embracing our cause of preserving Naga rights, you’ll share in our privileges without racial or religious discrimination. As a sovereign nation rooted in Christianity, we aspire to build under the banner of Nagalim for Christ, guided by our faith and belief in God’s grace. While granting freedom to all faiths, we officially declare ourselves a Christian nation, without imposing restrictions or harassment.
The volunteer force we’ve assembled isn’t aimed at opposing specific groups but exists solely for our self-defense, safeguarding Naga land, future, and freedom. This pivotal moment granted by Providence shouldn’t slip through our grasp. This call isn’t about endorsing any particular group, but rather advocating for the preservation of our land and freedom, echoing the sentiment of Phizo’s “urra uvie,” signifying our ownership of the land.
Just as Moses called “who will be on the Lord’s side” for those loyal to God, this moment urges us to align with what’s righteous, emphasizing the importance of staying committed to the right path. Today, when asked whose side we’re on, our response will determine our allegiance, marking this as a crucial moment for Naga politics and our collective destiny.”
