Nagaland BJP dares National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)-IM to unveil truth

NEW DELHI: Days after the NSCN-IM issued a statement taking exception to certain remarks of Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on the peace parleys and perceived delay in arriving at a solution, the BJP's Nagaland unit on Sunday hit out at the militant group, saying "Nagas need to know the truth".

"Right now, our leaders need to speak out for it is high time now... Nagas need to know the truth as the Naga political issue and its related problems are not something which have to be kept in the dark; everybody deserves to know what is going on and what will happen," a statement from State BJP's media cell said.

It said the BJP's Nagaland unit has "always been at the forefront in advocating an early and amicable solution to the long-standing Naga political issue. And despite the multitude of opinions and allegations hurled against our legislators in recent times, it needs to be accepted by all if we are really craving for a solution.

"We need to be more vocal about what is happening, what we want to achieve, what we need to hold on to, and what we need to let go. Those blaming a few legislators for being vocal and voicing their opinions also need to understand that the legislators in a way also represent the voice of the Centre and cannot be ignored or dismissed," the statement said.

Notably, the saffron party's statement came a day after the core committee led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy CM Patton (BJP floor leader in the Assembly) held a meeting with an NSCN-IM delegation led by VS Atem, a longtime aide of the militant group's powerful general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.

"At this crucial juncture, when all our leaders need to speak out, it is disheartening that some leaders and their party are maintaining a stoic silence over the matter, despite holding influential positions like leading the core committee, as ignoring it will in no way add anything to our collective aspirations of the long-standing political solution," the BJP statement said.

It asserted that "BJP Nagaland shall never shy from advocating what is needed to be told because we stand with the Nagas in its aspirations for an honourable and acceptable solution."

It is a rare occasion that an established national party has gone on record to join issue with NSCN-IM or any such militant organization.

There is a perceived feeling among a section of Naga leaders, common people and also important players in New Delhi that there is a deliberate attempt to delay the solution as 'the status quo' suits some vested interests, including a section of established political stars in the State.

Patton had recently used strong words with regard to attempts being made by certain quarters to delay the solution, saying: "Some big (perhaps militant) leaders do not want a solution. They want to keep relaxing and enjoying the comforts of life with money collected through extortion and taxes.

"If this continues, I would say, go to hell. You won't go to heaven. How can you go to heaven by causing so much hardship to the public? We must come out openly now. It is high time. Enough is enough."

NPF leader Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu had also referred to the Framework Agreement of 2015, saying the potent NSCN-IM group has "sealed its fate" and has virtually endorsed the Constitution of India by inking the same. (IANS)

Also Read: Key meeting held: Muivah to share report on Naga peace talks on May 31

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