Dimapur, July 27 (MExN): The Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) on Tuesday reminded the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conclude an “honorable and acceptable political agreement with the Nagas.”
In a memorandum to the PM appended by its President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary and Media Secretary, the Federation stated that after its communiqué earlier in January 2021, NGBF and Nagas tribal leaders were expecting a positive response on concluding the Indo-Naga Peace talks through signing of the agreement at the earliest.
While considering that factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the elections to various state Assemblies led to the delay in taking matters further ahead, the Federation expressed belief that matters are awaiting the final nod of the PM’s office.
With the elections to Manipur and few other states coming up in the first quarter of the coming year, the NGBF suggested that it would be “most ideal to provide finishing touches to Indo-Naga political solution.”
Meanwhile, the NGBF also stated that although it is an inherent right of Nagas to live together under one administrative roof, it acknowledged that integration of Naga areas to be pursued through democratic political process post agreement is a ‘practical step’ upon which, a logical conclusion must be found.
In order to facilitate smooth transition of powers to the newly envisaged Territorial Councils, the Agreement has to be tripartite between the leaders of the Naga Political Groups from the respective states, giving concrete shape to the negotiated matters, the Federation stated.
While expressing confidence that all necessary ground works, procedures and roadmap for smooth transition to absolute peace have been steadily prepared, the NGBF assured of its commitment “to end gun culture in Nagaland through acceptable and honorable political solution.”
It also assured the PM that the NGBF would remain a ‘pivotal stakeholder’ in ensuring that customary laws and traditions will guide the citizens in matters of social, political and historical subjects and conducts thereof.
The Federation highlighted the formation of the Core Committee on political affairs which held interactions with WC, NNPGs and NSCN (IM). It also noted the BJP-NDPP coalition being strengthened by the Nagaland People's Front (NPF), joining them to form an opposition-less government in Nagaland, stating that this decision was taken to press the Government of India to announce and ink a political agreement.
The NGBF informed the PM that, as entrusted during their last meeting on August 3, 2017, the Federation has been working meticulously in villages and towns to ensure Indo-Naga solution is wholeheartedly welcomed by the masses.
“The ground is all set to welcome the Agreement and to begin a new enduring peaceful co-existence between Nagas and Indians,” the Federation stated, and urged the PM’s office to conclude the talks and bring about an honorable and acceptable political agreement with the Nagas.
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