Naga identity transcends State's boundaries: Hoho

DIMAPUR, June 8: The differences between the stands of the Nagaland government headed by chief minister SC Jamir with that of the Naga Hoho has once again emerged when the Naga Hoho termed the statement made by Jamir on the occasion of the 7th general conference of Nagaland GBs Federation at the Town hall, here on Dimapur, June 5: The differences between the stands of the Nagaland government headed by chief minister SC Jamir with that of the Naga Hoho has once again emerged when the Naga Hoho termed the statement made by Jamir on the occasion of the 7th general conference of Nagaland GBs Federation at the Town hall, here on May 30 last, as ?an emotional outburst to create confusion and chaos to the already charged atmosphere in our society? Mr Jamir had stated that the 16 tribes of Nagaland only who should decide their destiny. The Hoho while reiterating that it has ?become imperative for the Naga people to understand and decide what is best for our people in shaping the future and destiny of the Nagas? the Hoho said such utterances reflect the rigid stance to derail the current political negotiation besides going against integration of Nagas and destroying their identity. The ?analogy of the only 16 tribes in the state of Nagaland? was presumptuous as it was a legacy of the 16-point agreement. Such a statement only limited the Naga national identity to the creation of Nagaland State the Hoho said, adding the Naga entity transcends the State?s boundaries. The Hoho said it has prepared a ?white paper? on the integration issue at its last assembly. Stating that despite the 16-point agreement the political problem remained unresolved, the Hoho said the terminology ?outsiders? and ?16 tribes? were a direct insult to the Naga family. Nagas were divided by some, within the Naga People?s Convention by creation of Nagaland State, which it said, ?was totally against the wishes of the people.? The Hoho stated that the description of ?16 tribes? of the state was vague since it accommodates non-Naga tribes too.? On participation at the consultative meeting with the NSCN-IM at Bangkok, the Hoho defended its role stating that this was to resolve issues that divide the Nagas. The Hoho reconfirmed that it will not hesitate to participate in any peace process involving NNC or NSCN and is committed to travel to any place for consultations and ?spare no effort to participate and support the cease-fire and the peace process as it concerns the future of the people.? If the Chief Minister was the only one speaking the truth about Naga issue, then it implied the ?Naga Hoho under the leadership of M Vero, the church leaders, social organizations, student bodies, national workers etc. are lying to the people,? the Hoho said. The Hoho further said Nagas would ?be happy if the truth can be admitted that the 16-point Agreement compromised and that an advocacy for it sabotaged the peace process in the sixties? adding it was time to address the truth so as to let healing take place. It may be mentioned here that Nagaland chief minister Jamir recently said while addressing a huge gathering of the Gaonburrahs coming from whole of the state that, Nagas must decide their destiny themselves as they are capable of taking decisions for their own future. The problem of Nagaland is the problem of the Naga public, he asked how can their future be decided by outsiders without taking the views of the 16 tribes of the state and reiterated that all sections of the Nagas must be involved in the talks on the future of the Naga people.