‘Nagas must come together and fight for rights’

Newmai News Network

Kohima, Nov 9: In a significant boost to the ‘Naga reconciliation process’, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) recently met ‘general’ Khole, the Commander-in-Chief of the NSCN-K.

‘General’ Kholee, who had once vowed never to return to the Indian occupied Naga-Land until Nagas were independent, visited Mon town after 41 years to consult with the Nagas, in a decisive bid to strengthen the ‘Naga reconciliation process.’
A press release issued by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FRN) quoted the ‘general’ Kholee as saying, “Without thinking for our individual cause, Nagas must come together and fight for our rights....today, the situation has brought for us to be one.”

Dwelling at length on the historical and political rights of the Nagas and the narratives of the struggle and the circumstances that led to the present predicament among Nagas, Kholee lamented that “unless Nagas unite and work in the spirit of oneness and unity, our dreams are still far-fetched.”

Expressing anguish at the worsening situation, Kholee pointed out that the Angami and Ao Nagas who were the first to receive Christianity and to provide the first leadership to the Nagas movement must take greater responsibility. “If Aos and Angamis are in one spirit, Nagas can be united. It is with hope that if they come forward together, Nagas will become one and united,” he said and added that its time for Nagas to come together as one and talk with India.

‘General’ Kholee emphasized on the need for Naga leaders to look inward at the very survival of the people and speak as one. He said conscious and committed Nagas should unite and work out a formula and added that “it needs collective effort and transparency.” He also stressed on the need for all the groups to “leave aside all past bickering and to start afresh again. If we reject this present initiative, we will all lose out together.” Expressing deep concern for the future well being of the Nagas, he said “I am old and am openly declaring that this Naga struggle leadership should not die along with me. If Nagas are united I will die happily. It’s painful but I may not step in even in my native village.” He further pointed out, “If the Naga public is careful, alert and truthful we will become one otherwise half truths or false comments will further divide and kill.”

Fully supporting the ‘Naga reconciliation process’, he asked the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to labour tirelessly and work out a model for all to walk together. The general respon- ded positively to the Forum’s proposal for possible dialogue at the highest level among Naga political groups. Stating that that the FNR has become the engine for Nagas to become one, he said, “If the engine is not strong, body will remain weak.”

Meanwhile, the FNR has expressed gratitude to ‘general’ Kholee for traveling all the way from “Eastern Nagaland” to Mon town in Nagaland and making the time to interact with the Forum, and for expressing his commitment and willingness for Naga reconci- liation. The Forum reiterated its commitment to the cause for Naga reconciliation based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas. It further affirms that the Naga reconciliation is in the common interest of all Nagas and for the future of our people.