'Another 16-Point Agreement shouldn't be repeated'
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Senapati, May 29 2022: With regard to the Naga political issue, United Naga Council (UNC) has categorially stated "another 16-Point Agreement should never be repeated".

UNC's statement has come amidst the crucial development in the Naga peace process and various highly charged comments and counter - comments related to the issue.

In a statement on Sunday, UNC said that Nagas must take "our own time" .

The statement also said, "We must go by our inner political conscience, and not through the instigation of whatever forces" .

"The sanity of the Nagas must prevail at this critical moment and sagacious political decisions must be taken during this final political settlement," it added.

UNC also expressed its concern over the prevailing situation, and said, "It is sad that the Nagas are at the depths of our mess created by ourselves when we need to stand up together and re affirm our stand in support of the on going Indo-Naga peace negotiations".

It asked, "What is the hurry now when we have already taken so many years? Can the Nagas accept it if the Government of India gives any damned thing?" UNC further conveyed that it is "worrisome and strange" that some very high profile Naga leaders are emotionally bursting out and some are doing intriguingly different things in Delhi and also "political groups" sarcastically attacking and counter attacking each other.

UNC pointed out that comments and utterances such as "Those who do not want solution, go to hell"; "Don't expect 100 per cent unanimity on Naga talk"; "Manipur Nagas decided to remain in Manipur...those Nagas stationed at Hebron Camp are mostly our guests from Manipur"; "Take it or leave it moment for NSCN-IM" and so on and so forth are not serving any purpose for the Nagas.

"The hatred and jealousy are inherent and intrinsic in human beings but it should not cross the limit and it should not be at the cost of the national struggle or movement," UNC stated.

It further mentioned that "our forefathers" have sacrificed all that they could and with so much bloodshed and for which "we are here thus far in the second ceasefire since 1997 till date with the Government of India".

UNC further stressed that "we the Nagas" must understand that in negotiations patience and resilience are important factors.

"Yet, we feel fearful with the present trend that is happening and patience running short among the Naga leaders and Naga National Political Groups".

UNC added, "It seems that we are destroying ourselves, our struggle and also our people by our own leaders themselves and not by the enemies".

UNC continued that it has learned that NSCN-IM has scheduled an "emergency national assembly" on May 31 at Hebron Camp, while adding that whatever decision taken at the assembly is going to be crucial for the Nagas' political future.

"Let us hope that the assembly takes a wise political decision, " it further stated.

UNC informed that, "with deep concern", it has decided in its "emergency presidential council meeting" held on May 27 in Imphal to appeal to all the Naga churches regardless of denominations in "South Nagalim" to have a special prayer service at their respective district headquarters and village churches on May 31 from 6 am to 9 am or at their conveniences for God's divine intervention that whatever decision taken by "the emergency national assembly" of NSCN-IM may be in His ways and according to His plans and wishes.

"Religious leaders/reverends/pastors/catechists and faithful are requested to please take the lead", UNC further appealed.

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