• ‘Framework Agreement may be implemented this year itself’
• Settlement should be inclusive, including all Naga political groups, Naga civil societies tell Ravi
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 6
Interlocutor to the Naga Peace Talks, RN Ravi today held consultations with various Naga civil societies in Kohima regarding the settlement of the Naga political issue with the Government of India.
The closed door consultative meeting which went late into the night was reportedly held separately with the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Senior Citizens Forum, Rengma Hoho, Nagaland Gorkha Association, Angami Public Organization, Chakhesang Public Organization, Nagaland Tribes Council and Western Angami Public Organization.
The local media was not made privy to the meetings despite requests. It is learnt that almost all the Naga civil societies attending the meeting reportedly made their feelings clear - that the settlement should be inclusive, including all the Naga political groups.
Sources from the civil societies quoting the words of the Interlocutor, disclosed that this may well be the last meeting before initiating the implementation of the Framework Agreement, which possibly could take place this year itself.
“We were told that settlement to the Naga peace talks is coming soon and that the Framework Agreement is likely to be implemented by this year itself,” a participant of the meeting who did not wished to be named stated. This could however not be independently confirmed.
Naga Mothers Association (NMA) Advisor Dr Rosemary Dzuvichu said RN Ravi appeared more positive this time, on the context of an early settlement being reached between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India on the Naga peace talks.
The NMA during the meeting also raised concerns on the ongoing ban against the NSCN (K) and urged for a peaceful dialogue between the GoI and the NSCN (K). “We also stressed on our continued support to the peace process, for an inclusive settlement for peace, while taking cognisance of all stakeholders, one which is also gender sensitive,” Dr Rosemary stated.
Nearly two years after the Framework Agreement was signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India (GoI), the contents have been shrouded in secrecy, with both the parties refusing to divulge details, despite demands from state and non-state actors that the finer points be made public.
WAPO not to be a party to piece meal settlement
Western Angami Public Organization (WAPO), which was one of the Naga civil societies that attended the meeting said it shall never be a party to “piece meal settlement” and declared that whosoever “harbours such venture shall be held exclusively responsible if any bloodshed takes place out of the consequences of such half- baked factional settlement.”
A copy of the statement submitted to RN Ravi, Interlocutor for the Naga Peace Talks pointed out that a settlement which did not include all the major Naga National Political Groups was extremely dangerous and not acceptable to the Nagas in any way.
“Everyone, including your honour (RN Ravi) is well aware that not a single Naga National Political faction of Nagaland today in reality represents the Nagas as a community and a people. Therefore factional settlement in piece meal, without broad base, inclusive of all major Naga National Political Groups is extremely dangerous and not acceptable to the Nagas in any way,” WAPO, which was one of the Naga Civil Societies which met RN Ravi at Kohima on Thursday stated.
It said the heavy price of fratricidal killings, confusion and division the Nagas have paid because of settlements in the past with questionable antecedents must not be repeated again.
WAPO also reaffirmed its resolve to stand by the plebiscite of 1951 at all cost and always by democratic and non-violent means. “No Naga political movement can become unique or historical if the plebiscite of 1951 is to be subtracted, which is the only mandated stand of the Nagas for all till date,” it maintained. On Friday, the Interlocutor will continue the consultative meetings with different NGOs including ACAUT Nagaland, CNTC, UNC, Naga Council, Dimapur, Naga Hoho, Tirap-Changlang-Longdin Peoples Forum, GBs Association Nagaland etc.
