Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir reiterated that there would never be a political solution to the Naga problem unless there was a unified voice from all the 16 tribes of Nagaland and insisted that there should be absolute transparency in the ongoing talks between the Government of India and the Naga undergrounds.

Stating that Nagas have every right to know what is going on between the Government of India and the Naga undergrounds, the Chief Minister, while speaking as Chief Guest at the 7th General Meeting of Nagaland Gaun Buras (GBs) Federation here at Town Hall, Dimapur, said only few tribes and organizations could not represent the “voice of the people of Nagaland.” Jamir said all the 16 Naga tribes should voice their opinions on the future of Nagaland, adding Nagas’ political destiny should be decided by the Nagas themselves.

“As long as the Nagas are not taken into confidence and as long as Nagas including the underground factions are not united, there can be no solution to the Naga political problem”, the Chief Minister said, adding Naga problem was not a factional or tribal issue and that no single tribe or faction could work out for a durable and permanent solution to the longstanding Naga political problem.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the negotiating parties had not been maintaining transparency in their talks and further questioned whether they were working out a solution in secret. He said those who had gone to Bangkok to participate in talks went there with Indian Passports and further pointed out that “We are taking the steps without knowing where we are keeping our feet?”

The Chief Minister expressed surprise that Nagas were talking of sovereignty, independence and at the same time also talking of taking part in the elections, “which are held under the Constitution of India”. He also failed to understand why Nagas could not have ceasefire amongst themselves when they could do so with Indian army and CRPF.

Jamir also deplored that in the name of Naga nationalism, people had been extorted and that they were afraid to speak out their minds for fear of guns. “You GBs are not afraid to speak out your minds freely in front of me because we think alike” said Jamir. “But can you say that you are not afraid to speak out the truth when gun-totting youngsters come to your villages and demand lakhs and lakhs of rupees?”

Urging the GBs to stand up for the truth, Jamir said they (GBs) must know their power and responsibilities in order to deliver their duties effectively. They must formulate policies for betterment of their villages and for bringing peace by stopping all sorts of illegal activities.

Former Minister Kihoto Hollohon also spoke on the occasion. He said unity among the Nagas could be possible only when each of the Naga villages were united.

Meanwhile Nagaland Gaun Buras Federation resolved that it would work for peace and unity among the Naga and also stressed the need for a thorough check on rampant extortions and anti-social activities. It also resolved that the final political settlement should be found out with the mandate of the people.