By Imna Longchar
Dimapur (Nagaland), June 18: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland State President, and Minister,Higher and Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along, on Friday said that the solution to the protracted Naga issue should be “charted and sealed” which is not only the aspiration of Nagas but also need of the hour.
In a press statement, Temjen Imna Along said that the Nagas cannot afford to drag this “unresolved issue” any longer as Nagas have a long “unique civilization” and precious lives and resources have been sacrificed in safeguarding this “unique history and identity.”
“Over the decades, many strides have been made towards fulfilling the long cherished aspirations of the Nagas,” he said adding that in the course of the negotiations and talks, both the sides have made compromises on their respective areas.
He said that though Naga representatives have been able to make the Government of India understand and accept the “uniqueness of Naga history”, yet, the talks have hit a “deadlock” and consequently a “stalemate.”
Adding that Nagas cannot afford to drag this unresolved issue any longer and as the present situation and trajectory of the talk’s stands, he said he is compelled to endorse the views of the “Core Committee” on Naga political issue that the stalemate on the current issue could be settled in a “pragmatic and rational manner” which is acceptable to both the sides.
“This is not to say that Naga aspirations should be entirely forfeited but that a constitutional process be carried out while charting out a long honourable solution for Nagas,” Temjen Imna Along added.
He also said that at this point in time of Naga Hostory, Nagas should pay heed to the “clarion call” of clear conscience and invoke providence from the Almighty God so that Nagas stand together as a people with love respect and humility and give out a strong unified voice.
He also reminded that Naga civil societies have tremendous potential to play a proactive role in bringing all sections of Naga society together to reason out collective wisdom towards a sustainable common future of the Nagas.
Meanwhile, Temjen Imna Along has expressed his regrets on the recent interview to a TV channel if his views have hurt the sentiments of any Naga individual/organizations/Naga Political Groups in any way.
He further appealed to all the Nagas as well as the Government of India that an honourable and sustainable solution be worked out so that tomorrow’s generation of Nagas would live with dignity.
