Nagaland: Deputy Chief Minister Addresses Internal Challenges in Resolving Indo-Naga Political Issue

KOHIMA: On January 11, at the 75th founding anniversary of Duncan Bosti in Dimapur, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton spoke of the complexities around the Indo-Naga political issue and pointed to serious internal barriers. He further pointed out that the Naga political movement has splintered into roughly 28 groups and only five of them have managed to forge Ceasefire Agreements with the Government of India (GoI).

Patton was concerned about this fragmentation, asking, "How can we survive under these circumstances?" He drew attention to the imposition of illegal taxes upon the local population and reiterated the GoI's offer to integrate the Naga flag and Yezabo (constitution) into the Indian Constitution, enunciating the principle of "One nation, one flag, one constitution." He insisted that unity amongst Naga factions is necessary for a resolution.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that some groups would resist a solution, fearing loss of relevance. He said that while some Naga Political Groups (NPGs) have genuine grievances, others are using the movement for personal gain.

The MLA and Advisor Imkong L Imchen expressed the same sentiment, stating that romanticized Naga independence has been a set back to progress and development for long. He called for harmony and internal challenges to build a self-reliant society. Both leaders urged the NPGs to put aside their differences and work towards a unified approach for the benefit of the Naga people.

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