DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 27 (MExN): The Government of India (GOI) and the Working Committee (WC) of 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) officially began political dialogue today. The maiden round of talks was held at New Delhi, where RN Ravi, the GoI’s Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks met an eighteen member delegation led by Convener of the Working Committee, N Kitovi Zhimomi.
A press note from the media cell of the Working Committee informed that Ravi welcomed the delegates and pointed out that the “moment was a historic one for both the GoI and the Nagas as the effort was aimed towards resolving a seventy year old political problem through dialogue.”
He reportedly stressed on the principle of equality, mutual respect and trust for resolving the issue. He further urged the Naga delegation “to be realistic and not dwell on rhetoric.” Pointing out that neither side can fool the other, being frank and brutally honest on all contentious issues would be in the interest of both entities, he stated. Despite the differences, he hoped that the GoI and the WC would work as partners and deliver the best political solution for both the GoI and the Naga people.
The Convener of the Working Committee, N Kitovi Zhimomi meanwhile appreciated the GoI for officially extending invitation to the NNPGs to start a political dialogue. He acknowledged the commitment and desire of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to settle the Indo-Naga issue. The WC Convener also acknowledged the wisdom and determination of RN Ravi in recognising that the Indo-Naga political issue required a comprehensive political solution through “dialogue with all stakeholders as opposed to factional solution.”
Co-Conveners of Working Committee namely, V Nagi, Wangtin Naga, Zhopra Vero, Kiumukam Yimchunger and Hozheto Chophy also supplemented the Convener in appreciating the Prime Minister of India and the Interlocutor for “understanding the Nagas and the ground reality of present times.”
Desirous of the next round of political dialogue to be held in Nagaland, the Naga delegation extended invitation to the interlocutor to Nagaland, “which would enable the Naga people to understand the seriousness and commitment of GoI to resolve the vexed issue,” informed the press note.
It further informed that the next round of talks will be held in Nagaland next month i.e. October and is “expected to touch serious and substantive issues.” The Working Committee meanwhile appealed for “prayer support and solidarity of our people.”
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