The Nagaland government is optimistic yet cautious about the prospect of resolving the long-standing Naga political issue this year. A senior minister and government spokesperson, KG Kenye, expressed hope while acknowledging the complexities of the ongoing negotiations between the Centre and Naga groups.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Kenye told PTI, noting that recent developments suggest some movement in the talks.
According to Kenye, the state government learned through media reports that representatives of Naga groups had traveled to Delhi for discussions with the Centre. “The last consultative meeting between the state government and Naga civil society organisations was held in September. The Union government later invited the Naga groups to Delhi for further discussions,” he said.
While Kenye was unaware of the outcome of the recent deliberations, he stated that some progress has been made. However, both parties have agreed to withhold details from the public at this stage. He also mentioned that AK Mishra, the Centre’s interlocutor, had recently met NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah at his camp, hinting at ongoing dialogue.
Kenye also referred to Mishra’s recent visit to Nagaland to engage with the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) regarding their demand for the creation of a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) comprising six districts.
When asked about Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which reportedly addressed concerns over Muivah’s declaration to “return to the jungles” if no progress is made, Kenye explained that the meeting was to brief Shah on the growing restlessness among the people. It also sought to evaluate the current status of the negotiations.
“Nobody should be alarmed,” Kenye said, adding, Muivah’s move could be a way of asserting the outfit’s position and trying to draw the attention of the authorities. (With PTI inputs)