Amid Fears About The Future Of Special Status, Nagaland BJP Chief Says Any Move To Scrap Article 371(A) Will Be Opposed

Ever since Monday when the government announced the withdrawal of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, there have been a lot of rumors about what is next, especially in the country's northeast where the states also have special status under Article 371.

Even though the government has not hinted at removing Article 371, speculations are at rift about the future of it.

Under Article 371, Nagaland (371A), Assam (371B), Manipur (371C), Mizoram (371G) and Arunachal Pradesh (371H) enjoy some special status and like in Jammu and Kashmir, it is a touchy matter.

This is particularly true in Nagaland where there is a long-running separatist movement. Now amid the apprehensions, Nagaland BJP chief Temjen Imna Along Longkumer has assured that if such attempts are made he will be standing united and protest the move strongly as it is about protecting the unique Naga history.

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¡°But we as BJP Nagaland¡­ will stand very strongly if there is any attempt towards Nagaland in its way; to also share our doubts, fears, grievances and apprehensions and let it be known to the leaders in Delhi. And I believe that they will listen and respect our unique history,¡± he said while addressing the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Earlier, newly appointed Nagaland governor RN Ravi had also assured the people of the state that Article 371 will not be affected.

In a press release from the Raj Bhavan, the Governor, who is also the Centre¡¯s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, said that Article 371(A) is a ¡°solemn commitment to the People of Nagaland. It is a sacred commitment.¡±

¡°I would like to categorically assure you all that you do not have to worry at all. We are earnestly working to happily conclude the ongoing political process which is at a very advanced stage,¡± he added.

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio welcomed the Governor¡¯s statement, adding that ¡°it is taken as an assurance of the Government of India.¡± Rio said.

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Meanwhile, the powerful Naga Students Federation¡¯s (NSF) has decided to mark the 73rd Naga Independence Day by hoisting Naga National Flag at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima on August 14.

On 14 August 1947, one day before India gained its independence, certain Naga groups declared the independence of the Naga region, which they called Naga Independence Day.

The Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN) while welcoming the NSF's announcement has asked them to hoist the ¡°original¡± Naga National flag which was first ¡°hoisted on March 22, 1956.