Naga people deserve sunshine now: Governor

Nagaland State Governor, RN Ravi receiving a traditional Naga spear during a civic reception in his honour in Kohima on August 16. (Morung Photo)

Optimistic of concluding talks in 3 months

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 16 

Nagaland State Governor, RN Ravi today said that the shadow cast by the unresolved Naga political issue “must go because our people deserve sunshine." 

Addressing the civic reception organised in his honour at the NBCC Convention Hall here today, Ravi said there was a sincere intention in every attempt but lamented that inclusivity was missing. 

“By inclusive, I mean all of the Naga armed groups, Naga tribal bodies, civil societies, grass-root leaders, intellectuals, senior citizens, elders and of course the Naga legislators because Naga political issue belongs to the Naga people. No organization has exclusive franchise over it,” he said.

Ravi meanwhile stated that the Prime Minister gave him one mantra when he was appointed as interlocutor to the Naga peace talk. “The manta is—Naga political issue has to be resolved on the principle of equality and mutual respect with due regard to the contemporary realities,” the Governor recalled. 

And on this principle, he said negotiations have been taking place. 

Stating that almost all armed groups are part of the process today, he stated: “in the last 5 years, I can confidently say that all the substantive issues have been resolved.” 

“We have agreed that with the GoI acknowledging the unique history of Nagas, the settlement is on the basis of power sharing and inclusive peaceful co-existence,” he said. 

Ravi said that before his appointment, the Prime Minister expressed the need to conclude the peace process within a three month time.

"That is a long enough time because we have been talking and negotiating for the last 22 years. In the last five years we have taken spontaneous steps by including all the stakeholders; both sides trying their best, and there is no reason why we cannot conclude it," he said.

He also expressed the need to do it because the status quo that remains today is unbearable for the Naga people: the status quo which means the Nagas have to bear the burden of multiple taxations, fear of gun, dreams of Naga youths are choked and suffocated.

“There is a time for everything when process is mature and delaying it is delaying a ripe fruit. So we have to conclude it. We will do that,” Ravi asserted.

 
‘Your trust in me has been humbling’
The Governor said the trust bestowed by the Naga people on him has been a humbling experience. 

“Your trust in me has been humbling for me. I have been receiving it in abundance ever since I have been engaged with you for the resolution of the Naga political issue. And at times I wonder what God has in store for me and for my Naga friends.

All that I do is to pray to Him as I do not know what does he have for me. Why has he chosen me for this job? But all that I do is I pray to give me strength and deliverance to fulfill the mission. I pray for the deliverance of our people who had been longing for peace for such a long time,” he remarked.

Ravi meanwhile pointed out that the country is experiencing a never seen before pace of growth and development, and that aspirational youth are dreaming big because of congenial atmosphere.

In the midst of all this, he said it saddened him “when our people in Nagaland are craving for basic necessities: for a good motorable road, good education, access to proper health care, descent employment opportunities.”

“It saddens me all the more as this beautiful land is richer in resources than many parts of the country and our youth are more talented than larger part of the country," he said.

 
‘Article 371 (A) not temporary’
Meanwhile acknowledging that some people have expressed apprehension that what happened in Jammu & Kashmir may cast its shadow in Nagaland, he assured nothing of that would happen in Nagaland. He pointed out that Article 370 was a temporary provision from the beginning. Ravi further pointed out that sub clause 3 of Article 370 mentions under what circumstances the President can delete the provision. 

Article 371(A) on the other hand, he said, is the result of over three years of negotiation between the people of Nagaland and the Government of India. “It is an agreement derived at; that is why it is a solemn commitment, and sacred to the people of Nagaland, it is not temporary or impermanent as Article 370 is,” the Governor stated.