Mokokchung, 7 December (MTNews): The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) through a press statement has asserted that the ongoing political talks between the Government of India (GoI) and Naga negotiators have concluded, contrary to recent reports suggesting a ‘deadlock’.
On November 30, 2023, various local dailies carried a news item quoting Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who reportedly stated that the talks between the GoI and Nagas were deadlocked. The WC, NNPGs, however, refuted this opinion, terming it “misleading and a disservice” to the people of Nagaland.
The WC, NNPGs emphasized that the then Governor, the constitutional head, had announced on the floor of the assembly in 2021 that political negotiations with all negotiators had concluded.
They further asserted that the GoI’s position remains clear, with a commitment to achieving an honorable and acceptable solution to the Naga people at the earliest and, therefore, asked the CM to clarify as a facilitator on whether the GoI officially conveyed to the CM that the talks are deadlocked.
The WC, NNPGs expressed confidence that the GoI would not betray the trust of the Naga people. It highlighted the “solid foundation” laid through the Agreed Position on November 17, 2017, stating that intense negotiations had addressed all possible political and administrative realignments, solidifying Naga history and identity at the core.
“Nagas are physically and mentally prepared for Indo-Naga political agreement to begin an enduring peaceful co-existence,” stated the WC, NNPGs and urged Chief Minister Rio, who has pledged to uphold and defend the Indian constitution, to avoid indulging in “insensitive passive political innuendos which pleases only anti-Naga solution elements in the IM from Manipur state.”
“Generalizing Naga issue as deadlocked is uncalled for. He must ensure a legacy of straight talk, insist on practical, honorable and acceptable political solution,” added the NNPGs.
Referring to an earlier briefing on October 13, 2021 in New Delhi, the WC, NNPGs reminded that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues had conveyed that the United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) primary achievement was removing RN Ravi from the gubernatorial role in Nagaland to expedite the Indo-Naga political resolution. However, the WC, NNPGs expressed disappointment, stating that facilitators are yet to prove their genuine practical intent to the Naga people.
“Negotiated Political matters between GoI and WC, NNPGs are firmly on the table of the former, awaiting final settlement. The activities of IM leaders going all out to prolong and sabotage the political solution have become obvious. A deadlock will result in one or all parties abrogating the ceasefire, abandoning designated camps and resuming the struggle,” added the NNPGs.
The WC NNPGs alleged the Nagaland state Chief Minister of being aware of how every month IM leadership, mainly from Manipur state, continue to shuttle comfortably between Hebron Designated camp and Indian MP designate bungalow in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, ever cursing Nagaland state and its founding pioneers.
“The non-Nagaland Nagas in IM wanting to prolong and avoid Naga political solution have to honestly share their problem to the rest of Nagas as brothers and sisters instead of blaming Nagaland state founders or indulging in threats. Article371 (A) solely exist for Nagaland state and unless driven by extreme jealousy, why would Manipur Nagas or other Nagas cry hoarse over it when Nagas of Nagaland, the real owner, deems it as having unique sovereign power over land and resources?” the WC NNPGs added.
The WC, NNPGs claimed that their negotiations with GoI have raised the bar by expanding the same historical and political rights to Nagas in different states.
“Who is fooling the Nagas? Was it this jealousy which drove an IM leader from Manipur to declare a few years ago, “Nagaland will cease to exist?” The term “deadlock” is a poor substitute for the overwhelming cry for Naga solution,” added the WC, NNPGs.
The WC, NNPGs urged the GoI to announce a political agreement with the Nagas based on the official announcement on October 31, 2019, with the negotiating entities. They stressed the need for a new relationship and a fresh beginning, emphasizing the importance of instilling powerful hope and dreams of coexistence and enduring peace for future Naga generations which it claimed is what the WC, NNPGs negotiated for.