Camp Hebron centre of Naga politics: NSCN-IM

GUWAHATI: With expectations of a new accord by year-end running high, NSCN(I-M) on Sunday declared Hebron, the peace camp set up by the government about 100 km off state Nagaland's capital Kohima in 1997 after the ceasefire agreement, as the future 'centre of Naga politics, government, culture, civilization and the seat of their high command.'

The declaration was made by Rh Raising, convener of the group's steering committee at the joint council meeting on 'Indian and Burmese Colonialism' on Friday. Describing the August 3, 2015 'Framework Agreement' signed between NSCN(IM) and the Centre as a political wall that will protect Nagas' land, identity, rights, culture, history and future, Raising said, "And that Nagas will decide their future by themselves, not by others anymore. Hebron will be the Centre of Naga politics, government, culture, civilization and the seat of their high command." "Now, with the end of the eras of confrontation and negotiation, this Framework Agreement has opened up a new era for the Nagas. We are now setting our foot in the stage of era of building our world," he added.

The leader said it was now the time of unity for all Nagas with one decision, one voice, one mind, one spirit and one faith. "We have spent enough time talking only about the past overlooking the present and the future. It is the time to focus on the present and the future. Our decision today will determine our tomorrow. All Nagas unite in the political and historical lines we come from," he added. He said a large chunk of Naga territory has been snatched away and annexed by the Burmese government through colonial policy and stressed the need for an honorable solution with the Myanmerese government. He said forces of colonialism are rampant everywhere in Nagaland. "They are Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, the Nepalese, Kukis from Burmese Chin state, the Chakmas from Chittagong Hills, tea gardeners from Bihar and Odisha and business communities from the Indian sub-continent."