“BJP Misled People On Naga Political Issue,” Said Congress Leader At A Rally

The Congress today accused the BJP-led central government of deceiving the people of Nagaland about the Naga political problem and asserted that if given a chance, it will fulfill the aspirations of the northeastern state’s citizens.

One of the top commitments in the Congress manifesto is to resolve the decades-old Naga issue, said party president Mallikarjun Kharge at an election rally here.

“The Narendra Modi government lacks the political will to implement the agreed-upon solutions to the Naga political issue, and has thus cheated the people of Nagaland and the country,” he said.

Mr. Kharge claimed that the state government is engaging in delaying tactics under the guise of more talks, despite the fact civil society organizations have been demanding the implementation of political solutions.

“On August 3, 2015, Prime Minister Modi announced that the Naga issue had been resolved with the signing of the Naga Accord, which was later renamed the Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM. But, nearly eight years later, this has become a hollow boast “He stated.

The Centre has been in separate talks with the NSCN-IM since 1997 and the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Group (NNPG), which includes at least seven groups, since 2017. These talks are intended to find a resolution to the long-standing issue.

The Modi administration signed an Agreed Position with NNPGs in 2017 and a Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM in 2015. The NSCN-IM is still adamant in its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, so the ultimate solution is still up in the air.

While releasing the BJP manifesto for the Nagaland election on February 14, party president J P Nadda stated that the Naga political issue is nearing completion because the Narendra Modi government is working tirelessly on it. However, it is not mentioned in the manifesto.

Mr. Kharge asserted that Congress was the only party to have started the process to resolve the political situation involving the Nagas and added, “Even today, this is one of the top-most commitments in our election manifesto.”

The seasoned Congressman asserted that the BJP is determined to divide Nagaland without specifically mentioning the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), which has been calling for a separate state made up of six districts from the state.

Abrogating Article 371A of the Constitution, which provides special provisions for Nagaland, will pave the way for “easy implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, which is the mainstay of the BJP’s divisive agenda,” he claims.

“The BJP’s politics are aimed at destroying Nagas’ indigenous and unique culture,” he claims.

Mr. Kharge stated that if elected, Congress would implement measures to develop the Eastern Nagaland region.

The region will get its mini secretariat and school education directorate, the Department of Underdeveloped Areas will be relocated to Tuensang, and conversation between the governments of India and Myanmar will be initiated, he said.

Nagas make up a minority of Myanmar’s population.

At the rally, he declared, “Given the chance, Congress will fulfill the aspirations of the people of the state.

Votes will be counted on March 2 following the assembly election, which will take place on February 27.