The resource person of last evening, former Nagaland Principal Chief Conservator of Forest DK Zeliang, who spoke on the theme of the conference, dwelled on two aspects of reaching out; reaching out to neighbours and reaching within.
Mr Zeliang said in the course of the Naga political struggle and the need to project Nagas’ rights, Nagas have inadvertently alienated their neighbours and who all have found a rallying point to resist the Naga movement.
''Their onslaught perhaps with patronage from the Centre has been vehement, making our movement seem unenviable. Today, this seems to be one of our biggest roadblocks,'' he said.
Mr Zeliang said from this position of ''recognition,'' Nagas must further progress to ''fulfillment'' of their quest without compromising their stand, adding that in the evolvement of the Naga political struggle, the time has come to depart from a confrontational stance and embark on a path of co-operation. ''To reach out to our neighbours, it will serve no purpose if we go to them and harp about our rights alone.
It is indeed an uphill task, but can we conjure a proposition that benefits all stakeholders without compromising our rights?'' Zeliang asked.
On the other hand, the senior citizen said the need to solve the Naga issue in a ''unique'' manner could pave the way for the Government of India to view the aspirations of the neighbourhood region in an accommodating manner.
''To achieve such a goal, there is ample room for maneuvering in the North East. Intricate ingenious arrangements like special political creations, elevation of status with special prescribed social and economic guarantees, special specific budget allocations etc, would bring about realization of the aspirations of the neighbourhood region,'' he said.
Mr Zeliang said that if the Centre has the vision and political will, then the Naga issue may provide the opportunity and justification to ''transform'' the whole North East to a win-win situation for all.
Other highlights of the introduction session were welcome address by Chakhesang Students’ Union president Esther Rhakho, introduction of dignitaries, NSF officials past and present and presidents of federating and subordinate units by NSF Federal Assembly speaker Kelhouneizo Yhome. The conference band presented special numbers and Angami Students’ Union presented a traditional song.
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