The Nagaland GB Federation Peace Committee (NGBFPC) convened a consultative meeting on the Naga political issue on March 20 at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur. The meeting brought together several civil society organizations and tribal bodies, including the Nagaland Tribes Council, Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Naga Hoho, and representatives from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
A key resolution adopted during the meeting urged the Government of India to merge the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position into a single, comprehensive document to facilitate a unified and lasting solution. “The house resolved to urge the GOI to prepare the common draft out of the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position so as to converge the two Agreements into a single Agreement for the ultimate solution,” the resolution stated.
The NGBFPC was tasked with leading efforts to bring various Naga political groups together. According to NGBF General Secretary Shikuto Zalipu, the committee has already engaged with 16 Naga political groups, all of whom support a common platform.
“We met the NSCN (IM) leaders, Chairman Q Tuccu and VS Atem, twice. We asked them whether they would want to join a common platform or not. They said, yes,” Zalipu informed.
Retired bureaucrat KK Sema, who attended the meeting, reiterated the need for inclusivity, stating that the final settlement should not disregard any group. He also criticized the state government for its lack of leadership in the peace process.
Further, the conclave appealed to the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to organize a day of fasting and prayer for an early resolution. The discussions reflected the growing urgency among Naga civil bodies for unity and a conclusive political settlement.
The Nagaland Tribes Council; Senior Citizens Association Nagaland; Forum for Naga Reconciliation; Ex-Parliamentarian Association Nagaland; Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries; Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries; Naga Council Dimapur; Konyak Angh Union Nagaland; Tirap, Changlang and Longding Public Forum Arunachal Naga; Joint Council of Zeliang & Rengma Assam; and Naga Hoho attended the conclave.
The United Naga Council from Manipur was also scheduled to attend the conclave but could not make it to the meeting.