GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity
PRESS STATEMENT
Hebron, the 27th June, 2019
Under the given situation where the Nagas are placed in a critical stage, it is never the desire of NSCN to particularize any Naga political leader on the issue related to Naga national identity because we want everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, to work together in unison on Naga issue without taking any divergent stand. But, if somebody started exploiting his position and take liberty to make idiotic statement which has a direct bearing on the historical and national identity of the Nagas, it becomes a serious matter which need to be condemned and tackled in proper perspective. Of late, we have come to notice that Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Nagaland has been making nonsensical statements, insensitive of the Naga people’s struggle and sacrifice.
Mr. Temjen is talking in the manner making himself an authoritative person to decide the political destiny of the Nagas simply to be in good book with his political bosses in New Delhi. Earlier, he made the statement that Nagas are Indians for which he faced condemnation from various quarters. Untamed as he is, again he made the statement that non Nagas should find a place in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
It is unfortunate that a person of typical character like Temjen has appeared in the Naga political scenario. Such a person is now lowering the credibility of the Naga political leaders in defense of Naga’s national identity. We are constrained to denounce Mr. Temjen for his repeated statements that goes against the national interest of the Nagas. Let there be no further dilution of the credibility of other Naga Ministers/MLAs like Temjen has done. The sanctity of Naga history is not to be tampered with for vested interests.
Temjen cannot afford to make a mockery of Naga’s political history. Nagas has come a long way ever since it declared Naga Independence on 14th August, 1947. The Government of India started the bloody and brutal suppression since 1954, leaving a trail of blood, sweat and tears. The First Indo-Naga Ceasefire of 1964 ended up with nothing. However, the Second Indo-Naga Ceasefire of 1997 has given much for the Nagas to rejoice as the Government of India gave recognition to the unique history and situation of the Nagas. When the historic Framework Agreement was signed on 3rd August, 2015 the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi stated that he acknowledged the unique history and culture of the Nagas and referred to the Nagas as brave and dignified people. The Framework Agreement recognizes the sovereign identity of the Nagas.
Mr. Temjen should reconcile himself to the ground reality of Naga national identity in the context of the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks and stand himself as a responsible Naga, lest he face further condemnation from the Nagas. He must bridle himself from making reckless and misleading statements to undo the hard earned historical and political identity of the Nagas that has gained worldwide recognition as a separate national entity.
Issued by MIP