Mokokchung, January 17 (MTNews): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has both appreciated the “unconditional commitment” declared by the NSCN and the Working Group of the NNPGs on January 14, 2023, to collaborate on the basis of their respective agreements (Framework Agreement and Agreed Position) “for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.”
The NDPP, through a press release from its media cell, welcomed the joint declaration “Nagas are moving ahead” signed by Mr. Q. Tuccu, Chairman of the NSCN and Mr. N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Convenor of the Working Committee, NNPG stating that, “It is indeed a welcome development that will strengthen unity and understanding within the Naga family and is a significant step in response to the desire of the Naga people for oneness and genuine peace”.
The NDPP further appreciated the wisdom, understanding and contributions of the leaders of all parties involved in making the joint statement a reality.
“We also acknowledge the noble services rendered by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in our collective quest for lasting peace and progress,” the statement added.
The NDPP in conclusion appealed to all sections to continue to uphold the negotiating parties in prayers as they reiterate their solidarity to the peace process so that “a final solution to the vexed Naga political imbroglio is reached at the earliest”.
Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Federation also expressed gratitude to the NNPGs and NSCN(IM) and stated that this was in furtherance of the ‘September Joint Accordant’ of 14 September 2022 which paved the way for the formation of ‘Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation’ led by Convenor of NNPGs and the Chairman of NSCN, ‘to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights.
The federation also pointed out that the development comes as a “booster for the Naga public to shed our differences and ceaselessly work towards ensuring that lasting peace is brought about in our Naga homeland, through the healing of our spirits.”
NSF dismayed over alleged continued delay tactics adopted by GoI
However, despite the welcoming development, the NSF expressed dismay at the “continued delay tactics adopted by the GoI in the negotiation process to hammer out the differences with the Naga negotiators pertaining to the key core issues of the Naga National Flag and Constitution.”
“The Federation would like to reiterate our earlier stand that we would never accept a ‘forced solution’ and that the impending negotiated solution should ensure that the dignity and rights of every single Naga soul is respected and upheld,” the federation stated.
In light of this, the Federation demanded the GoI to exhibit utmost sincerity and commitment in the negotiation process “so as to ensure that the aspiration of the Naga people for an Inclusive, Honorable and Acceptable Solution to the protracted Indo-Naga Political issue is brought about without any further delay.”
The Federation while extending New Year greetings to the Naga people also appealed to everyone to be mindful of individuals publicly indulging in rhetoric, either in words or actions, pertaining to the Indo-Naga Political issue.
“We have to zealously guard our cause which is legitimate, just, fair and righteous from the lure of these individuals, tirelessly scheming with our adversaries, to undermine it. Their distorted tales should no longer confuse us. Instead, we should fearlessly advocate our inalienable historical and political rights to the world at large,” the federation concluded.