Consultative meet stresses on ‘One Solution’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 15 

The consultative meeting on the Naga political issue, called by the Nagaland Government today affirmed to collectively work with one voice to facilitate the peace process and strengthen negotiations for early realization of the desired ‘One Solution’ in a transparent manner. 

The meeting called by the Nagaland Government on the Naga political issue was held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima. It was attended by 200 representatives from several civil society organizations, legislators, tribal hohos, political parties, Church leaders and prominent individuals. 

The meeting appreciated the Government of India for acknowledging the “unique history of the Nagas” and recognizing the Naga issue as a political issue. It further acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of the nationalist workers in the course of the Naga political journey and towards the Naga political cause.

It further expressed gratitude to civil society and the Church for their consistent support towards the Naga cause and for their efforts to bring reconciliation and oneness. The participants of the meeting affirmed to continuously work towards a political settlement based on Naga historical and political rights to determine the Naga future on the unique history and position of the Nagas. 

It meanwhile urged the Naga political groups to honour and respect the Covenant of Reconciliation and maintain the sanctity of non violence in letter and spirit for a shared Naga future as members of one Naga family. 

The meeting further asked all negotiating groups to come together under a “spirit of oneness, mutual trust and understanding” with sincerity and commitment towards achieving “one solution for one people” as early as possible.  

Briefing media persons after the meeting, Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue said that the resolution will be communicated to the Central Government. 

Advisor, IT, Science & Technology, NRE, Mmhonlumo Kikon said that the resolution was passed on the basis of the presentations made by various organizations. He further stated that the 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland, NSF, ENSF, ENPO, CNTC, TPO, NMA, FNR including the senior citizens and intellectuals attended the meeting.

Political parties which attended the meeting included NPP, BJP and NDPP while NPF, Congress and JDU abstained.

Rio envisions a future built on ‘genius of Naga people’
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio addressing the meet called for an agreement on the Naga political issue that is based on “contemporary realities,” and one that will end violent confrontation and “usher in a future vision that will be built with the genius of the Naga people”.

He asked all Nagas to support the peace process, strengthen the negotiations and facilitate the journey towards achievement of “One Solution” in the earliest time possible. The CM informed that the Government of India has made clear that there will be only “One Solution” for the Indo-Naga political issue. 

“Looking back at history, we must come to an understanding that our achievements and our failures are all collective.

We need to cross the bridge of blame and move towards a matured approach of collective responsibility for all our achievements and failures. Only then, can we move forward, towards a progressive environment of a shared future together,” Rio stated. 

While noting that it is important to understand and respect history, the CM said it is all the more crucial to focus on the roadmap ahead. “We cannot allow ourselves to be tied down with history. We have to move forward,” he said. 

Meanwhile acknowledging that the Naga journey is one of common hope, the CM stated that “we must reconcile for a shared Naga future. 

“It is also our appeal to our brothers and sisters in the nationalist political groups to honour and respect the Covenant of Reconciliation, which was signed on 13th June, 2009, and the Lenten Agreement of 28th March, 2014, while maintaining the sanctity of non-violence in letter and spirit,” the CM appealed.

The Chief Minister further said that the biggest challenge facing the Naga people is division. “Till today our society is thoroughly divided, which has created too many groups and organisations leading to different opinions and voices,” he stated. 

“We must journey together, towards our political aspirations, under a spirit of mutual respect within ourselves, a commitment for peaceful co-existence in our society and with our neighbours, and a resolve to adhere to democratic principles,” he appealed. 

Rio asserted that the “Naga voice must rise above all other considerations.” “We need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that we leave a lasting legacy behind, which will be cherished for generations to come,” he added. 

He further expressed hope that “a new chapter in our collective journey will begin from today onwards as One United Naga Family.”