Naga Youth Movement members along with Zunheboto civil society organisations, students and others at Town hall Zunheboto on October 6. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | October 6
The Naga Youth Movement (NYM), during its district tour in Zunheboto on October 6, called for clarity on the long-pending Naga political solution and stressed the need for unity, reconciliation, and non-violent democratic expression.
The programme was held at Town Hall, Zunheboto, where speakers from NYM, youth organisations and Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) addressed the gathering on Naga political issue, youth opportunities, tribalism, economic disparity and other concerns.
Speaking at the programme, Idizeung Naga of NYM said, “Many people told us not to talk about the Naga solution. But we have to speak the truth.” He said members of the movement were threatened when they started the initiative.
Questioning the repeated claims of fruitful meetings on the Naga political issue, he said, “For over a decade, they always say the meeting was fruitful when they arrive at the airport. So which one is a fruitful meeting?”
“We are only pressuring the government, not any individual or organisation. We are here for the future generation,” he said maintaining that the movement was not directed against any individual or organisation.
He stated that a memorandum had been submitted to the Prime Minister. “If no positive outcome or response is received, we will continue with non-violence and civil disobedience,” he said. “How long will we live like this? It is high time we made ourselves clear about our solution.”
Idizeung further clarified that no individual or organisation was supporting or funding the movement, and sought public support and prayers.
Elithung Naga of NYM called for greater unity among the Naga people, saying, “Sümi are patriots, we are all Nagas and Sümi, being the warrior group, wants Sümi to be the lawyers.”
He said Naga youth have sufficient talent but lack opportunities. “We have enough talented youth but no opportunities. We will get an opportunity only when we get a solution.”
Emphasising unity across communities, Elithung said, “We belong to different tribes, but for this cause we are all united in this movement.” Referring to the different Naga political groups, he said, “We have 37 factions in the name of a solution.”
He appealed to the people to “be a torchbearer of peace,” adding, “When we have peace, there will be progress.”
On taxation, the speaker urged people not to simply blame contractors but to “ask for the reasons.” On tribalism, he said, “We represent the Naga, not the tribe,” and called for the movement to reach all districts of Nagaland.
Atoke Naga of NYM raised concerns over corruption, economic disparity, and the lack of platforms for Naga youth. “The mother of all corruption is this solution,” he said, adding Naga youth were talented but lacked platforms.
He pointed to growing economic disparity, saying, “The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer.”
Atoke further stated that both Naga freedom fighters and Naga political leaders were involved in the present situation, and questioned how one person could provide for the numerous groups. “One person cannot provide for and feed the 37 groups.” He added that the movement would decide its next course of action after the deadline following submission of the memorandum.
Linika K Achumi, Youth Leader of Hekiye Baptist Church, said, “A problem spoken is a problem half solved. NYM should not be confined to big villages and churches but should also reach smaller villages such as Hekiye under Zunheboto, she said. Referring to the village, which has around 27–28 households, she said many of its youth were confused, adding, “When we are united, the fog clears.”
A representative of the Sümi Youth Organisation also stressed the need for unity, stating that tribalism was “the factor taking us down” and needed to be removed.
Tonoka V Zhimomi, General Secretary, ZRSU said Nagas and Naga youth were “fed up” with the prolonged political solution. “What should we sacrifice for position, honour? Are we ready for all this?” he asked.
Kikheto Muru, speaking in his individual capacity, said Nagas were “divided and confused.” He expressed the view that the Naga political solution and an early settlement were being ignored by powerful people. “We have to come out in the street, we need a Naga plebiscite once again.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, Hiketo Naga of NYM reiterated, “We are not politically associated with anyone, or with any group or party.”
Calling for reconciliation and unification, he said, “It is time for reconciliation and unification. We are not here for professionalism but for nationalism. We need to do a lot of groundwork… We are not an organisation but a movement. We are motivated, not discouraged. We are the voice of the voices.”
Earlier, Alokali V Achumi, proprietor Tsülichepu Restaurant chaired the programme with invocation by Nupato Zhimo, Youth Leader Zunheboto Town Sümi Baptist Church, welcome address by a representative of Zunheboto town GB Association and benediction by Vishito V Zhimo, Pastor, Hekiye Baptist Church.
