Ukhrul hoists Naga flag to mark 6th FA anniversary
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, August 03 2021:
The Naga national flag fluttered atop the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) office building for over an hour on Tuesday to mark the commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM, the oldest Naga political group.
The two signed the agreement on August 3, 2015 to lay the foundation for resolving the age-old political issue.
The flag was hoisted by Tangkhul Theological Association (TTA) former director Dr YL Mingthing who attended the observance as chief guest, in the presence of representatives from different civil society organisations (CSOs) of the district.
However, the tone of the commemorative event which was organised by TNL at its Assembly Hall, Viewland, simultaneously bore the earmarks of dismay and frustration over lack of any concrete outcome from the much talked about agreement.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mingthing expressed that it was sad to note that even as the propitious agreement was entering six years but there has not been any concrete follow-up action by the government to resolve the pending political issue.
"It is not an occasion of celebration but one of grief and disappointment for the Naga public," Dr Mingthing said, referring to the observance of the agreement amidst the Centre's apparent indifference and inaction.
He continued that for too long now, Nagas have been facing suppression in their struggle for self-determination.
"But if there's no Naga integration and sovereignty, what else is there for the Nagas to anticipate from the long drawn-out peace parley?" he questioned.
TNL president Hopingson A Shimray highlighted that despite signing of the promising agreement between the Centre and the collective Naga leadership, no headway was apparently making towards the final settlement so far.
He further noted that the wish of the Naga public is early settlement of the pending solution and wished the gathering a blessed time.
As part of the event, a special prayer session led by Union Baptist Church pastor Rev Remember Rimai, was also conducted, seeking divine intervention in early resolution of the long-standing political issue.
Rev Remember observed that Nagas are certainly reeling und er a crucial phase of uncertainty.
"But there's one thing we must realise, and that is God has not forsaken Nagas, God is only reminding us to turn our faith to Him," he said.
Well known singer Esau Makang and party also presented a special number to add meaning to the observance.
CSO representatives including Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long president SA Ramnganing, Ato Longphang chairman Dearson Chamroy and Tangkhul Shanao Long president Veronica Zingkhai and others took part in the observance.