Kohima, March 06 2009: The first ever Naga Consultative Meet with Oversea Nagas Asso-ciation on the theme 'One Dream, One Future' got underway in Kohima since Thursday with the participation of 15 Naga delegates from four foreign countries and representa-tives from 31 organizations within Nagaland, including tribal hohos and other mass based Naga civil societies, political parties as well representatives from various factions of the Naga underground groups.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said the Naga Consultative Meet is a result of the deep concern expressed by various sections of the Naga Community, that there is a need to take forward the Naga political issue which has remained unresolved for the last six decades.

He said that the meet was initiated so that all can share views and opinions with a view to find the best approach and strategy in the search for peace and resolution of the Naga Political issue.

Expressing that Naga political issue should be placed above all political affiliations, tribal conside-rations, and any other difference or division that may exit within the Naga community, Rio said any group or individual wanting to distance themselves from this joint effort are not part of the solution, but part of the problem.

He asserted that the only realistic and logical approach to take the Naga movement forward towards a political solution would be to engage in political dialogue and negotiations to bring about an honorable solution that is of mutual interest to both India and the Nagas.

"Talking about the Naga political issue, we must not lose sight of the realities of the day", he said adding in today's global village people talk about inter-dependence rather than independence.

He said that Nagas should also start thinking in terms of being part of the global village through excellence, while preserving the Naga identity and uniqueness.

Lamenting that the political struggle, accompanied by insurgency and the social turmoil, have created serious roadblocks and hurdles for the younger generations, he said Naga youths have to be given new vistas of opportunities, so that the Nagas find place in the global village.

He called upon the Naga people living in different states of India and across the international boundaries to unite emotionally, while the desire for territorial integration will always remain and would be pursued with all sincerity.

Expressing that the sufferings and pain of Nagas in Myanmar should not be ignored, 'if we claim to work for Nagas', he said "we must take up the cause for political recognition of Naga people in Myanmar, with a defined territory or province within Myanmar".

Asserting that Nagas can no longer afford to live in the past, nor to stagnate in the present position, Rio said it is time for Nagas to 'break camp' and move forward.

He also challenged Nagas to strive for territorial and emotional integration of all Nagas, besides political recognition and territorial autonomy for the Naga in Myanmar.

Speaking on behalf of the Overseas Nagas Rev.Luoliehu Yimsung said that their main objective to visit the homeland is to build a bridge among Naga groups and individual putting all positive elements of love, trust and forgiveness.

He urged the Naga Hohos, Groups and Organisations, Churches, Political leaders and the Government to be a voice for the Naga nation.

Education and Advocacy Officer, ACT for Peace, Australia Dr.Visier Sanyü and Professor Paul Pimomo, USA also spoke on the occasion.

The three day Naga Consultative meet with Overseas Nagas is an initiative of the DAN Political Affairs Committee with affirmation to stand for Nagas' freedom and unity, and to determine a solution to the long withstanding Indo-Naga political issue.

Non Resident Nagas from US, UK, Australia, and Japan are attending the meet.

Other invitees include the legislators, representatives from underground factions, Naga Hoho, Tribal Hohos, NSF, Naga Mothers Association, ENPO, NPMHR, FNR, and GBs forum.

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