Art 371 A is like 'barking dog' that does not allow innocent cow to eat grass : Kitovi

Nirendra Dev *

N Kitovi Zhimomi

Nagas are at crossroads in more ways than one and everyone is concerned about development and enhanced corporate investments, but such things can be achieved only when there is a "permanent peace", NNPG convener N Kitovi Zhimomi has said.

"We Nagas have reached a critical stage of our history. Everyone wants a good future for our youths. But for MNC money we need permanent peace. And for permanent peace, there is a need for Solution," Kitovi told 'Nagaland Page'. He said if Solution does not come, people will be more frustrated.

"For NNPG, the top most priority is the future of youths," he maintained and went on to add that unlike some, the NNPG is not after easy flow of cash. "We are not begging packages....we are eyeing the planned economic growth instead".

To a question on the future of Naga youths, Mr Kitovi said, "such selfless actions vis-a-vis planned economic growth is required as Nagaland missed 13 plan periods due to armed conflicts".

"Now we have to cover up the missed period in a time bound manner to join the development graph of other states and the rest of India".

Answering questions, the NNPG leader said inking of a new Solution and a final peace pact is also required at the earliest as many facets of the much talked about Article 371 (A) is not understood. "I tried to share my views on Article 371A in a media interview recently. The feedback has been good as I could highlight some important points," he said.

Mr Kitovi said to a large extent the Art 371 A is not very clear about land and resources.

"I will give a very raw example....The Article 371A of course prevents everyone from forcing Naga people to eat spicy Dal prepared in Delhi (in reference to central laws), the Nagas can decide whether they should eat the Dal made in Delhi but at the same time the Article 371A actually does not allow the Nagas to eat their own Naga dal".

By stating this Kitovi in effect maintained that while rich mineral resources and land resources remain there "untapped", but Naga people continue to be poor.

Kitovi also suggested that in certain quarters "unwarranted hype" is created around Article 371A. "The moot point is the Nagaland Assembly is not given the power to legislate any law pertaining to matters under 371A...There is also a cow and grass and also a dog barking at the cow and this is to prevent it from eating the same grass," he tried to explain.

However, the seasoned militant leader-turned-peace proponent now says, "In no way I am downgrading Article 371A. It was an important piece of legislation in the 1960s...but things have changed and so now we are making a case for a new Naga peace agreement which is based on the current situation and therefore our Agreed Position is more realistic and pragmatic and also future oriented".

The NNPG led by Kitovi came forward for peace talks in 2017 and on Nov 17, 2017, the Agreed Position was inked by the umbrella organisation and the Govt of India laying the foundation for a permanent peace and a final agreement.

Mr Kitovi's group has always been very keen for a solution. "We have always reposed faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government and therefore we have come forward for talks in 2017," Kitovi said.