NSCN (IM) army chief bats for peoples movement for early solution
Pan Naga Hoho to extend beyond boundaries : Shimray
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, May 18 2022: Army chief of the NSCN (IM) Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, who is also the co-ordinator of the Indo-Naga Peace talk besides elaborating on the ongoing political dialogue with the Government of India stressed on the role of the younger generation towards achieving the aspiration of the Naga people for self determination.

He also highlighted what Pan Naga Hoho is all about.

Addressing a one day consultative meet on the theme 'The Role of Youths in Nation Building' at Town Hall, Phungreitang, Ukhrul today, Shimray urged the youth to dedicate their potential in all different possible means for the cause of the Naga people and prepare for a mass movement as the talk is at a crucial stage.

NSCN (IM) army chief bats for peoples movement for early solution

"The movement should not only be the sole responsibility of the revolutionary organisation but every Naga must take it up for our future," he exhorted.

Shimray said that the NSCN (IM) inked the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in 1997 to explore and find out the possible means to settle the problems with sincerity through peaceful negotiation.

And it was under this agreed position that the Framework Agreement was inked in 2015 on the basis of the unique history of Nagas, he added.

"However, due to lack of sincerity there have been ups and downs which have hindered the smooth process of the talk, pitting the two entities against each other at times," Shimray explained.

"Our struggle has a greater call and it is to build a strong Nation on the foundation of Nagalim for Christ" added the rebel leader.

Expounding on the Pan Naga Hoho, the army chief of the NSCN (IM) said that it is a statutory body with executive authority, budgetary and negotiating powers and will function beyond territorial limits to any place where Nagas are settled.

He added, the Pan-Naga Hoho with absolute authority will enjoy all the substantive powers and shall be competent to make any law, rules, regulations and the subjects given in the 'Competencies List'.

The Pan Naga Hoho will keep alive the political aspirations of the Naga people across the borders.

Slamming the Government of India for toying with the idea of Tribal Council, Shimray said that Nagas are not fighting for tribal cause but to build a strong Naga Nation.

The idea of a Tribal Council is a betrayal of the Framework Agreement, he added.

Even if the ongoing political talk fails, Naga revolutionary movement will continue and remain, he claimed and added that every Naga should 'defend our inherent political rights' .

Leaders of the NSCN (IM) have signed a covenant that "NSCN (IM) leadership will never betray the rights of the Nagas" at any cost until our aspiration for self determination is achieved, he added.

It is therefore necessary for the younger generation to shoulder the responsibilities to safeguard and defend the rights of the Naga people, added Shimray.

The one day political consultative meeting was organised by Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long and was attended by a host of NSCN (IM) leaders including Brigadier Joyful, CAO Chinaoyo, Yarngam PRO of ceasefire monitoring cell Khanganing, Retired general Wungkhayip, Retd general Paisho, women officers, members of TNL, TKS, TSL, and TMNL.