Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): The NSCN (R) convened its 10th Joint Council Meeting at Penhang Designated Camp, Nagaland on October 9, and called upon the Government of India to expedite the ongoing peace process and work towards a timely resolution of the long-standing Indo-Naga issue.
In a press release issued by the MIP, NSCN (R), the Council stated, “Recognizing the extensive dialogues held over the years, we believe the time has come to translate these efforts into meaningful outcomes for lasting peace.”
It said the NSCN (R) “cannot afford a future where the Naga youths are left directionless or the present generation mired in uncertainty.” It asserted that the Naga political struggle “is the legitimate aspiration of our people and must not be misconstrued, suppressed, or exploited to marginalize our communities.”
The NSCN (R) reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard the rights and dignity of the Naga people and expressed gratitude to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the tribal hohos, and the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding People's Forum (TCLPF) for their efforts in promoting dialogue and unity through the Council of Naga Co-operation and Relationship.
“The Naga political issue is a shared responsibility, with contributions from every Naga individual. We call upon all Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to actively engage in and support the FNR’s initiatives to achieve a collective and meaningful resolution,” it said.
It also expressed strong objection to the “unwarranted interception and arrest of senior NSCN (Reformation) functionaries by security forces at Deomali while they were en route to this critical meeting.” It stated that “such actions, at a time when the Naga people are striving for peace, are unacceptable and undermine the spirit of dialogue.”
“We denounce any attempts to prioritize short-term gains over the long-term goal of peace and reconciliation. Recognizing the extensive dialogues held over the years, this is not the moment for division or distrust but a historic opportunity to build bridges and heal wounds,” the statement added.
The NSCN (R) asserted that both the Naga people and the Government of India “must reject animosity and embrace a partnership rooted in mutual respect, justice, and shared aspiration for peace.” It reiterated its commitment to “a dignified solution to the Indo-Naga issue” and urged all stakeholders “to act with urgency and sincerity to secure a future where the Naga people can thrive in peace and dignity.”
