NYM calls for public gathering at Lok Bhavan on October 28

Dimapur, October 21 (MExN): The Naga Youth Movement (NYM) has called upon the general public to gather at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on Wednesday, October 28, to demand clarity and time-bound implementation of the 2015 Framework Agreement and the 2017 Agreed Position. The youth body also claimed that repeated representations to the Governor have gone unanswered.Addressing a press conference at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on October 21, NYM members said they had submitted a memorandum to the Governor on July 8, followed by a three-month ultimatum that expired on October 8 without a response. A second representation was submitted on October 13 with a ten-day ultimatum, but no reply has been received to either, they said.“The Governor didn’t even grant us an appointment, nor did he provide a reason for denying it,” said NYM member Molung Naga. “We do not think the Governor is acknowledging or understanding the pain the Naga people are going through today.”NYM member Idizeung Naga clarified that the movement had never demanded the Governor’s resignation in its representations. “We said the Governor should resign if he is not doing his work. There are many English grammar experts here who should understand this sentence,” he said, addressing what he described as a misconception circulating on social media.He said the NYM’s demand was limited to the expeditious implementation of the Framework Agreement signed in 2015 and the Agreed Position signed in 2017. “The agreements were signed, but the implementation process is stuck. So we are simply asking the Government of India to implement them quickly. If there is a misconception that we are against certain organizations or factions, it is not true,” he said.The NYM said it had approached the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) with an invitation to support the call. “I personally went to the NSF office to give them an invitation... For some reason, we were not given an appointment initially. I called them up a second time, and they said they would discuss it among themselves and give a response, but we haven’t received any news from them since,” said NYM member Atoke Naga.Asked why the Government of India had not concluded the peace process despite talks ending in 2019, NYM member Hiketo Naga said, “According to our understanding, the Government of India is ready to give a solution. However, there might be many reasons for the delay. One reason could be that the factions are asking for too much.”NYM member Ninoto Naga said there were elements within society comfortable with the status quo. “There is a faction that wants a solution, and there is a faction that does not want a solution... The reason they don’t want a solution is because they are very comfortable with how things are right now,” he said.NYM member Kuhoto Naga said the GoI’s intent had been evident since 2013-15, and the onus now lay on the Nagas to press for implementation. “In our memorandum we asked for clarity and a time-bound implementation. The implementation will take a year, or half a year. Just start the process, that is what is needed,” he said.The NYM said the October 28 gathering would be peaceful and inclusive, cutting across tribal and organizational lines. “We are not going to fight or be aggressive with anyone. But we can go and ask, right? We can question, right?” Idizeung Naga said, urging participants to bring their own water bottles and packed food.The youth body cautioned that if no response was received within the stipulated time, any future course of action taken with public support would not be the responsibility of the NYM. It also said it was prepared to take its demand to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi if necessary.