Kohima, June 22 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Monday rejected the statement made by the WC, NNPGs as “false” and “baseless” allegations that it prevented Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) from meeting the Prime Minister and was responsible for the exit of former interlocutor RN Ravi, while stressing that the Indo-Naga issue requires political-level engagement and collective unity, not internal divisions.
In a statement issued by its Press Bureau, the NPF said the claim that it stopped members of the NGBF from meeting the Prime Minister was incorrect, asserting that Gaon Buras should focus on their customary duties in village governance rather than matters outside their role that could cause “unnecessary confusion.”
The party also termed the allegation linking it to RN Ravi's departure as “baseless,” clarifying that the appointment and transfer of Government of India representatives are decisions made solely by the central government, and that Ravi's tenure saw normal political discussions among various stakeholders.
Emphasising the need for political-level engagement, the NPF recalled the Consultative Meeting on the Naga Political Issue held by the Nagaland government on September 12, 2024, which was attended by tribal bodies, churches, civil society, political parties, MPs, and MLAs. The meeting unanimously passed a resolution urging the Government of India to appoint an interlocutor of political or ministerial rank with full authority, reflecting the “united voice” of Naga society, the party said.
On the recent Memorandum of Understanding on oil exploration, the NPF acknowledged concerns over resource ownership but said such issues must be viewed historically, noting that the Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute and exploration activities in contested areas predate the MoU. It said both state governments have shown willingness to settle the boundary issue through dialogue and urged responsible groups to support constructive constitutional processes instead of using sensitive issues for short-term political gain.
The party also addressed the ongoing violence in Manipur, where Naga villages have faced attacks, including the recent killing of six Nagas. It called on Naga freedom fighters to prioritise protecting villages and lives, asserting that “political dialogue must go hand in hand with real security” and that without security, political agreements “mean little to ordinary Nagas.”
Reiterating that the Indo-Naga issue belongs to no single person, group, or party, the NPF appealed to all stakeholders, Naga Political Groups, tribal hohos, church organisations, civil society, and political parties to uphold unity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility. “History remembers those who built bridges, not those who created divisions,” the statement said, adding that the party remains committed to an honourable, acceptable, and inclusive political solution.
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