Nagaland government consultative meeting ends with four key resolutions on Naga political issue | Calls for ministerial- level talks, public involvement, unity

A consultative meeting convened by the Nagaland Government was held in Kohima on September 12, 2024. The meeting saw the participation of all stakeholders, including tribal hohos, representatives from civil society, mass- based organizations, church bodies, NGOs, gazetted officers’ unions, student bodies, political parties, and more.

The meeting provided a platform for deliberations, expression of opinions, and an open forum for all participants to share their perspectives on the Naga political issue.

After thorough discussions, the House unanimously adopted four key resolutions:

The House appreciated the negotiating parties, namely the Government of India and the Naga Political Groups, of the ongoing Indo-Naga Political dialogue for continuing to uphold the principles of the ceasefire agreements and ensuring that there is no breakdown of the talks despite facing several challenges and hurdles in the past two decades.

The House appealed to all sections of Naga society to make further efforts towards strengthening unity and oneness in order to bring all stakeholders of the peace process under a spirit of understanding. The House agreed that all participants of the meeting will make renewed efforts for unity of Naga society.

The House resolved to appeal to all Naga political groups and national workers to refrain from any further factionalism, the formation of breakaway groups, or the creation of new organizations.

The House appealed to the Government of India to elevate the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the highest political level by appointing an interlocutor of political level/Ministerial level, who has the confidence and mandate of the Government.

The resolutions were appended by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak, and Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir.

Nagaland government calls for ministerial-level talks, public involvement, unity

At a press conference following the consultative meeting, Nagaland government spokesperson and Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, stressed the need for public involvement in the peace process. He highlighted that while the government, through the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), has been engaging with Naga groups for years, it was now crucial to gather broader perspectives from the people.

Kenye asserted that the Government of India (GoI) must take the Naga issue more seriously by elevating the peace talks to a ministerial level. He recommended appointing a high-level interlocutor rather than a GoI representative to handle the complex matter. He noted that the Naga peace talks, which initially began in a third country at the highest level, have evolved significantly over time.

He observed that after the signing of the agreement, discussions were moved back to India, with RN Ravi being the last interlocutor who claimed that the talks were concluded in 2019. As the current situation contradicts this, Kenye stressed that the dialogue must continue at a higher level, given that progress has stalled.

Kenye emphasized the urgency of resolving the long-standing issue, noting that the ongoing impasse could heavily impact both the Naga people and political groups. He revealed that the meeting resolved to work collaboratively to ensure the peace talks advance promptly.
He urged all Naga groups to set aside differences, engage in dialogue, and create a unified document to prevent any “unwanted maneuvering.” Kenye also called for strict implementation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR), criticizing the Centre for creating and recognizing numerous Naga groups, which he believes undermines lasting peace.

He urged Naga political groups to focus on practical demands and achievable goals, leaving more complex issues for future consideration. Kenye expressed concerns about the parallel negotiations between the Centre and different Naga groups, stating that differing stances have not benefited the people. He stressed the importance of public input to address the issue effectively.

Kenye concluded by noting that the meeting was a starting point and expressed hope for more consultative meetings in the future. He added that the government has received many suggestions, which will be analyzed by the PAC, though the timing of the next meeting remains uncertain.

MT