Dimapur, November 16 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today urged the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN (IM) to ‘sort out their differences’ and find a solution to the vexed Naga issue at the earliest.
The Union Government and the NSCN (IM) had signed the Framework Agreement in 2015 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Naga Hoho said.
The agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 21 years, with the first breakthrough in 1997, when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of political turmoil that began soon after Indian independence in 1947, it reminded.
Despite the perpetual extension of ceasefires over more than 27 years under four prime ministers, however, none has had the inclination or courage to deliver what was promised, it added.
Further, the Naga Hoho asserted that a political settlement is the only panacea for the Naga people to "underscore the rights of the Naga people and to live as one people under one pavilion."
However, it expressed regret over what it termed the "insincerity” of the GoI to resolve the long-drawn Naga political issue to date.”
“As long as the GoI fails to acknowledge or respect efforts to bridge the differences between ‘the two parties’ and bring about a cessation of hostilities, the Naga people will not be in a position to listen to further entreaties or updates from the centre, as the future and destiny of Naga society and people are at jeopardy,” it added.
The Naga Hoho further noted that the negotiating parties must take all sections of the people into confidence to avoid dissension in the future, adding that the solution must be “inclusive and honourable.”
It also appealed to all the Naga Political Groups to “come together and put the Naga political issue forward... to prepare a common landing ground” and further urged the public come forward, air their views and opinions, and actively participate in the peace process.
This would ensure decision for a common political destiny in a manner acceptable to all Nagas, Naga Hoho maintained. “We should not be silent spectators at this juncture, nor should we create hurdles for those parties working towards a solution, it added.
It further appealed to the Prime Minister of India to fulfill the agreement arrived at after decades of negotiations and deliver on his promise to bring a solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
"A flickering ray of hope" still remains with the BJP Government at the centre to fulfill the aspirations of the people by delivering an "honourable settlement based on the Framework Agreement (FA) by this Christmas,” added the Naga Hoho in the press release issued by its President Sulanthung Lotha
