‘Frontier Nagaland’ demand based on civil rights: ENPO

Kohima, Aug 17
The Eastern Nagaland Peo-ple's Organisation (ENPO) on Friday clarified that the demand of “Frontier Nagaland” is clearly based on "domestic problems and historical right with no ill intention to any particular community or group". The apex body of six Naga tribes said this at the civic reception of Nagaland Governor RN Ravi held at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBBC) Convention Centre in the Secretariat in Kohima on Friday.
Extending greetings to the new Governor, ENPO president Kekongchim Yim-chunger said: “ENPO appre- ciate[s] your pragmatic approach and dedication to the ongoing Naga political talks between the Naga political groups and the Gov- ernment of India under your able and visionary leadership.”
“For ENPO, the word Nagaland is so dear to us that we had put forward our demand as 'Frontier Nagaland' which clearly signifies that we are still Naga inspite of our demand. What a blessing it would be if we have two Nagaland!" Yimchunger added.
The ENPO president then appealed all its Naga brothers to "think what would your reaction be if you were in our position" and requested to remember them in prayer.
He added that the Naga political issue and demand for a separate state --Frontier Nagaland -- are two issues that should not be misinterpreted.
Asserting that the ENPO had been contributing and sacrificing towards the Naga political issue right from its inception till date and will continue to do it in the days to come, he said: "The Naga political issue includes the identity of Nagas as a whole where the ENPO is also part of it.” Saying that Nagas are living under the shadow of uncertainty surrounded by confusions with no clear future, the ENPO appealed the Governor to "bring out the best possible solution for the Nagas without compromising the identity of Nagas at the earliest possible time”. “We are hopeful that you will not forget the people of Eastern Nagaland and deliver justice on every aspects who are crying for justice right from the inception of Nagaland state,” he added. Meanwhile, Tenyimia People’s Organisation (TPO) president Timikha Koza said that with Ravi's long association with the Nagas and his tenure as the governor, “more than anything, the Nagas desire for a political settlement at the earliest". “We want you to be the people's governor who will give and guide the Naga people from your heart. A governor who will not take advantage of the weakness of the Nagas but a governor who will build and strengthen the strength of the Nagas which will bear testimony of your commitment to peace,” Koza said.
“In doing so, you will leave behind a legacy which will remain in history and especially in the hearts of the Naga people for generations," he added.
Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) president N Matong Jamir, in his short speech, said: “Besides your other important assignment as the interlocutor to Naga peace talks, we believe that Naga peace talk will be surely be expedited and concluded with you as the bridge between Indian and the Nagas.” He said, “We have been praying for healing and reconciliation and we believe the time is now. We have been yearning for peace for too long and now we want it to be reality,”
Expressing hope, he said “during your tenure as the governor of Nagaland and during your time as the interlocutor to Naga peace talks, we would be able to see the protracted Naga issue coming to a logical conclusion and peace ushering in throughout the Naga inhabited areas”. East Mojo