Dimapur, February 18 (MExN): Criticising the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) approach to the Naga political solution, Indian National Congress (INC) leader Jairam Ramesh has called for greater transparency and consensus building to resolve the longstanding issue.
Addressing reporters in Dimapur on Saturday, Ramesh questioned state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the BJP's inaction during the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and accused them of deliberately postponing a solution. He further stated that despite the efforts of previous Prime Ministers like PV Narasimha Rao, IK Gujral, Deve Gowda, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the ambiguity around the Naga political issue has only increased under the Modi government.
Ramesh emphasized that a peace accord must be based on consensus and be acceptable to all sections of society, including the youth and civil societies. He further highlighted the need for maintaining the dignity, pride, and diversity of the Naga society while arriving at a holistic solution.
The Congress leader also accused the BJP of creating confusion and added that the party's agenda was focused only on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rather than the real issues faced by the people of Nagaland. According to him, what the BJP calls development is actually ‘extortion,’ which was causing fear among the people.
Ramesh called for the BJP to take the people of Nagaland into confidence and assure them that they will not touch Article 371A, which is specific to Nagaland, but rather implement it in letter and spirit. He added that the Congress party would protect, preserve, and promote Article 371A, which was brought in by the Congress despite opposition from many sections, including the Jan Sangh.
