Mixed reactions to Interlocutor Ravi’s appointment as Nagaland Governor

RN Ravi (Morung File Photo)

RN Ravi (Morung File Photo)

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | July 20

In a surprise move, the Government of India’s Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, RN Ravi was appointed as the new Governor of Nagaland. He will replace incumbent PB Acharya.

Nagaland was among the six states for which the appointments or changes of new Governor was announced by the Centre on Saturday. The other states are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura.

"The above appointments will take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices," stated the communiqué from the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 22.

The move of the Centre to appoint Ravi who has been the Interlocutor and instrumental for the signing of the 'Framework Agreement' with the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015 has come as a bolt from the blue for many. 

Too early to speculate, say NPGs

Besides being perplexed, the move has also led many to speculate on the motive of the Centre. 

The appointment appears to have also come as a surprise for the NSCN (IM). 

However, not wishing to speculate on anything at the moment, executive member of the steering committee of NSCN (IM) V Horam said the GoI can appoint any individual to be a Governor of a state even if the person happens to be the interlocutor. 

Appreciating the service rendered by Ravi on the negotiation table during his time, Horam said the NSCN (IM) wishes him the best. 

Alezo Venuh, envoy to collective leadership, GPRN/NSCN, and co-ordinator in the ongoing political dialogue between NNPGs and the GoI said the appointment has come as a surprise. Venuh also declined to comment further on the issue while stating that any statement from their side would be done only after consulting with the rest of the Working Committee members. 

Ravi was also instrumental in signing the second agreement with the Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on November 17, 2017.

Cautious optimism 

Meanwhile, welcoming Ravi who has been a “friend of the Naga people” as the new Governor, Naga Hoho president Chuba Ozukum however observed that Ravi’s appointment will have both positive and negative implications.   

On the positive side, he said Ravi would be the most capable person as the Governor to implement the contents of the Indo-Naga political agreement, if it sees reality. On the other hand, Ozukum said the new interlocutor who would be appointed in Ravi’s place would have a hard time since he or she would have to start from scratch. 

“This would also mean the negotiation may drag on for a longer period.” Or maybe, the GoI is just trying to buy time or delay the peace process without bringing any political solution, the Naga Hoho president further speculated.

Social activist and Academician Rosemary Dzuvichu noted that the Nagas cannot afford to be “pessimistic at this stage” and further expressed that Ravi’s appointment as “Governor considering his knowledge on the Northeast and Naga issue gives hope that more results are met.”

Peace Activist, Niketu Iralu considered the appointment as a “good sign.” Something good is going to happen in Nagaland as no other Indian has deep knowledge on the Naga political dialogue than RN Ravi, he said, further expressing hope that a “faster and more fruitful negotiations will be met given his full time presence at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima rather than in New Delhi.”

CM welcomes 

The Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, meanwhile, took to Twitter to welcome the appointment and conveyed his best wishes to Ravi. 

“I look forward to working with him in our common endeavour to uplifting our people and bringing lasting peace...” he tweeted. 

Nagaland BJP President and Minister Temjen Imna Along also congratulated Ravi and wished him “every success” in his new role.

A Nagaland legislator who did not wish to be named said the appointment was indeed “very significant” as the person concerned is “the interlocutor and the negotiations is still going on.”

“It remains to be seen as to whether this would mean the stage is set for a final settlement. It will become clearer once the new interlocutor is appointed,” he added. 

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie said he failed to understand the intention of the GoI over the appointment. “As of now, there is nothing much to say, however, for Ravi, as the new Governor, his duty now is to uphold the constitution.”