Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Kohima, February 01 2009:
THE LEADERS of both the factions of NSCN have emphasized on peaceful solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem while also asserting that the asserting that the struggle is for the rightful place of the Nagas amongst the nations as well as for the future, peace and progress of the Naga nation.
The emphasis was made during the 29th Raising Day of NSCN, which was celebrated by both the factions on January 31.The Khaplang faction of NSCN or GPRN/NSCN celebrated the day with Kilo Kilonser (home minister) Azheto Chophy as chief guest at Khehoi Camp while the Isak-Muivah faction of NSCN celebrated it at CHQ, Hebron with Qhevehi Chishi Swu, Convener Steering Committee (highest decision making body), NSCN, as the chief guest.
In his Raising Day message, which was read out by Maj (Retd) R M Lotha, Kilonser for National Social Welfare, GPRN, the Chairman of NSCN-K, S S Khaplang said "the pursuit of our rightful place among the Nations and peoples shall be our unflinching goal".
"We as National leaders failed to stem the rot and differences of opinion gave way to suspicion, discontentment, hatred and finally further bloody division within the Naga family.
This has been the greatest misery and nemesis of the Nagas," he stated.
Expressing that infighting only devalues the political right of the Nagas," he said the GPRN/NSCN is well prepared with thousands of patriots ready to defend the Naga people's aspiration against all odds, "yet we realize that nothing is for us by indulging in internal bickering." He asked, "Are we prepared to seek a common future for the sake of our children or continue to hunt each other with vengeful hearts?".
Urging the people to reconcile first with their own hearts and extend the same to others, he also asked them not to issue paper proclamations and declarations urging peace while continuing to live with "uncompromising hearts".
He appreciated the effort of Kilo Kilonser Azheto Chophi and other respected leaders, Civil Societies, Churches, Intellectuals and NGO's who stood up to the challenge of bringing the Nagas together under one umbrella.
He further appealed to the representatives of the entire Naga family; the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the Naga Hoho and its federating Hohos, DB's & GB's Forum, ENPO, NSF, NPMHR, NMA, Churches and other Naga NGO's & Civil Societies to continue the noble work of restoring peace, reconciliation and unity in the land of the Nagas, so that we share a secure and respectable future.
At CHQ, Hebron Camp, Qhevehi Chishi Swu, Convener Steering Committee, NSCN-IM read out the speech of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu on the occasion, wherein the NSCN-IM Chairman reiterated that the NSCN is deeply committed to political solution to the Indo-Naga imbroglio.
"We cannot ignore the fact that we have an issue with India and Myanmar and we will try to settle it through political means for any tangible solution acceptable to both parties.
We rule out violent means and we condemn any attempt at settlement of the issue through military might, which has been proved a futile exercise.
This is the era of democracy and we are committed to settlement of all human problems through dialogue based on mutual respect, understanding and recognition of rights.
We also believe that there is no problem, which we cannot solve through discussions," he said.
The NSCN chairman also asserted that solution is the priority for the Government of the Peoples' Republic of Nagalim.
"Everything hangs on the pendulum of solution.
If solution comes the rest will follow suit," he said.
Isak Swu made it clear that Nagas movement is a resistance movement for defending the land that belong to the Nagas and that the war Nagas are fighting is not a contest of strength.
The day was especially marked with the confession and atonement for the transgressions of the Naga national workers past and present.