Nagaland Congress disagrees with K Therie’s critique of consultative meet

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has “respectfully disagreed” with their former president K Therie’s recent characterization of the consultative meeting on the Naga political issue as “futile and a waste.” The NPCC acknowledged some common ground with Therie’s concerns but emphasized the need for processes that foster consensus, transparency, and inclusivity.

In a statement by the Communications Department of the NPCC, it explained, “It is this philosophy that guided us to take part in the 12th September dated Consultative Meeting.”

The NPCC also highlighted its subsequent demand for transparency by requesting that the details of the agreements signed between the Government of India and Naga Political Groups be shared with both the PAC Members and civil society. “This is to ensure transparency and optimum value addition from all stakeholders during the consultative process and the political dialogue process,” the NPCC added.

The NPCC said it recognized the significance of the two agreements and the groundwork laid by previous central governments. However, they noted their own limitations, stating, “We also understand the fact that we are not a direct party to the ongoing Naga political talks and the limitations that it imposes on our ability to directly shape the course, substance and timing of a final sustainable solution to the protracted Naga Political issue.”

Despite these limitations, the NPCC said they remain committed to contributing to the cause when called upon. It also urged the Government of India to “honour the aforementioned agreements inked with the Naga political groups and implement them at the earliest.”

Regarding the suggestion for appointing a new political interlocutor, the NPCC advised against assigning negative connotations to the move. It stressed that such appointments should be seen as a means to enhance coordination and accountability, rather than complicating the issue further.

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