Kohima, Oct. 13: Former Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir says this is an important time for Nagas as they are close to signing a historic agreement with the Centre.

A statement received here today from Jamir, also former governor of Goa and Maharashtra, said the greatest dream of Nagas is a better future. For this cause, Nagas had given their mandate to the Naga National Council (NNC) through a plebiscite in 1951 and currently all Naga insurgent groups are claiming ownership of the plebiscite.

Jamir said Nagas cannot afford to undermine the changes taking place in the world. “The process of change requires us to carefully analyse and investigate the entire gamut of our social, cultural, historical and political heritage and discard all dysfunctional, distorting, vestigial and incongruent elements which were thwarting our collective growth and progress,” the statement said.

He urged Nagas to preserve, promote and protect their core values and unique identity. He also said the original movement inspired by A.Z. Phizo, former president of the NNC, had taken a backseat.

“It is high time the leaders of Naga society focus on economic development, welfare activities and kick-start moribund economic and industrial sectors,” he added.