Dimapur: In a powerful demonstration of unity and solidarity, the Sumi Youth Organization (SYO) embarked on a solidarity visit to engage with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO), and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF). The gathering, held at the CKS Hall in Tuensang Headquarters on Saturday, April 13, 2024, saw the convergence of these prominent organizations.
Led by its President, Hikavi H Kinimi, along with Vice President Hukaito Zhimomi and General Secretary Bokalu V Jimo, a ten-member delegation from SYO graced the occasion.
In a heartfelt display of appreciation for the resilience and statesmanship exhibited by the people of Eastern Nagaland, President Hikavi H Kinimi emphasized the purely supportive nature of their visit. He made it clear that the SYO had no intention to influence electoral decisions, stating, “To vote or not to vote is your choice, and we are not here to comment on voting or not voting,” as stated in a press release by the ENPO.
President Kinimi reiterated SYO’s unwavering commitment to standing by the people of Eastern Nagaland during their trials and tribulations, while also urging for continued unity in pursuit of the broader Naga cause.
The ENPO President, General Secretary, ENWO, and ENSF President also addressed the solidarity meet, highlighting the Eastern Nagaland people’s decision not to participate in the upcoming election.
In response, the ENPO expressed profound gratitude for the SYO’s gesture, hailing it as a monumental moment amidst the current challenges. They remarked that SYO’s visit “will be written in gold letters, which will go down in the history of Eastern Nagaland for ages to come.”
Furthermore, the ENPO clarified recent statements made by Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton regarding consultations with the state government. ENPO clarified that after the submission of memorandum to the Government of India on November 25, 2010, it returned and submitted a copy of the memorandum to the state government. The State Government, in turn, constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee on ENPO demands and recommended the creation of an Autonomous Council, a proposal rejected by the people of Eastern Nagaland.
Additionally, the ENPO highlighted that they had four rounds of bilateral talks with the Government of India and two rounds of tripartite talks involving the Government of India, Government of Nagaland, and ENPO, concluding in 2018.
In response to allegations of not consulting the State Government, the ENPO firmly stated that there was no oversight in this regard. They emphasized that the State Government was aware of the talks, and there was no question of undermining the protocol services of the state bureaucrats who participated in the trilateral meetings.
ENPO also pointed out that the granting of FNT will have no impact upon Naga political issue and will not infringe upon article 371A of the Constitution of India and “the arrangement will be within the state of Nagaland, and not beyond.”
The solidarity displayed during this visit underscores the strength of unity in the face of adversity, resonating deeply within the Naga community and beyond.
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