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Namrata Biji Ahuja
Namrata Biji Ahuja

NAGA ISSUE

Khaplang was ready for talks with govt: Nagaland CM

khaplang Khaplang (in the centre) during his younger days

In a startling disclosure, Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu said the late chairman of NSCN (K) S.S. Khaplang was ready to initiate a dialogue with the Union government and he had expressed his willingness quietly to the Nagaland government a few months ago. 

The disclosure has been made in the condolence letter written by Liezietsu in his official capacity mourning the death of Khaplang. Liezietsu termed it nothing less than “tragic’’ and “calamitous’’ that an important leader like Khaplang had expired “considering that the protracted Naga political problem is on the verge of being resolved.’’ 

“..However, before things could be taken forward to its logical conclusion, it is calamitous that the Naga leader could not live long enough to see the Proverbial Promised Land,’’ he wrote.

The demise of Khaplang is being mourned by both elected and self styled leaders in the state who have sent condolence messages ahead of his funeral.

In his letter, the chief minister said it was the need of the hour for all different Naga political groups to come together to air their views and aspirations to the government of India in one voice. 

Importantly, Khaplang’s desire to revive the dialogue with the government would have changed the course of the peace talks as it would have brought in voices of NSCN (IM)’s rebel outfit and other leaders who were not keen to dilute their demand for a sovereign Nagalim state. 

The Nagaland chief minister, however, wanted peace in the region and it was in continuation of these efforts that the state government was sending delegations to Myanmar to talk to Khaplang in recent times.

Disclosing that his efforts had yielded positive results in the past few months, Liezietsu said, “It was encouraging to learn that Mr Khaplang had a few months ago conveyed his willingness to have a dialogue with the government provided 'issues of substance' were discussed.’’

Khaplang had abrogated the ceasefire with the government in 2015 following which he had launched multiple attacks on Indian security forces. 

But his death has brought focus to the sacrifices of the leaders of the Naga movement at this juncture. The chief minister invoked Khaplang's sacrifices to appeal to the people to strive for peace and a lasting solution to end the longest running insurgency.

“In memory of the departed soul, and before the mortal remains are interred below ground, I appeal to all grieving Nagas to resolve and dedicate ourselves to endeavor with renewed vigour and determination to find a solution to the Naga political problem which is honourable and acceptable to all stakeholders, and that this protracted problem be resolved during our lifetime and not to bequeath it to the future generations.’’

The elected chief minister did not mince words as he acknowledged the dedication of the NSCN (K) chairman saying that “in the memory of the departed leader who had dedicated all his life to the cause of the Naga people, let all Naga people dedicate ourselves for peace, harmony and well-being of the entire Naga family so that we and our children march ahead with the rest of the world as equals in the 21st century and for ever more.’’ He expressed his condolences to the family members of Khaplang and prayed for peace for his departed soul.

Liezietsu was not alone in mourning the demise of Khaplang. Neingulo Krome, secretary general of Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) said Khaplang’s death was a rude shock at a time “when the Naga people are extremely in need of elderly and experienced wisdom of Naga National Movement leaders to set right the course of the Naga destiny, which are being misinterpreted and reinterpreted in the present day scenario of internal conflicts.’’

In his condolence letter, Krome wrote that the Nagas will always "treasure and cherish Khaplang's commitment to do what the upcoming Naga generation wants as the Naga National Movement is for their well-being so that they live in dignity and peace." 

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Topics : #Nagaland

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