Unchecked divisions may push Naga peace out of reach: Dy CM Patton

‘Until they unite, nobody should give them tax’

Morung Express News
Chuchuyimlang | May 1

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on Friday cautioned that unchecked divisions among the Nagas could push the long-pending Naga Political Issue further out of reach, questioning both militant fragmentation and the credibility of ‘clean elections’ in the state.

Addressing the Moatsü celebration at Chuchuyimlang in Mokokchung district, Patton said that while all 60 MLAs from different political parties had set aside their differences to work collectively on the political issue, Naga tribal apex bodies and communities at large had failed to achieve similar unity.

“Today, the Nagaland government is an opposition-less government. All 60 MLAs are working together because we want to resolve the Naga Political Issue,” Patton said.

However, pressing the contradiction, he asked, “If the 60 MLAs from different political parties can work together for the Naga Political Issue, then why can't we, the Naga tribal apex bodies, why can't Nagas unite?”

The Dy CM described the current legislative arrangement as an exceptional political achievement. “It is the most difficult thing for elected members to unite without an opposition. But we have done this much for the Naga issue,” he said.

Turning to Naga political groups, Patton cautioned of accelerating fragmentation. “Instead of uniting and working together, we now have 33 underground factions. Maybe in a short time there might be 60 factions, like the number of MLAs.”

“Even if there are 33 factions, the Government of India will give only one solution, not separate solutions for all,” Patton said. “All 33 factions say they want sovereignty, then why not come together?”
Calling for public pressure on the groups to end their fragmentation, he said, “Until they unite, nobody should give them tax.” 

On electoral violence, Patton singled out the Ao community with an appeal to end the bloodshed that has marked past polls in the region. “The Aos have given many firsts to the Nagas… but there is one 'first' I ask the Aos to remove, that whenever there is an election, there is violence and people die,” he said. “Have you heard of people dying during elections in other areas?” he asked.

He challenged the repeated calls for ‘clean elections,’ particularly from church platforms. “All the reverend pastors talk of clean elections in every election, but people only die here. What does 'clean election' even mean?”

Drawing from his own constituency, he dismissed idealism around electoral reform. “In my Lotha area, I tell our reverend pastors, what you are saying is very good, if the public agrees. However, this will never happen.” He added, “I tell them, to convey that, whoever you took money from, don’t cheat them, and in the name of Jesus, give them the vote.”

Defending Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, against criticism, Patton said, “The work he is doing, especially for the youth, is better than that of many of our elected members. People call him the ‘Chairman of Everything’ out of jealousy. The role of advisor to a Chief Minister is not given lightly.”

Patton also dismissed concerns about Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s age. “There are Chief Ministers in other states who are 90 to 95 years old. Our Chief Minister is only in his seventies.” Patton added that he believes Rio will continue to lead for “another 10 to 15 years.”

The Dy CM also announced a conditional upgrade to local policing infrastructure, stating, “I will upgrade the Chuchuyimlang outpost to a full-fledged police station, but cases must be registered.” He added, “Because of customary law, many people do not go to the police. I encourage that all cases be registered.”