Morung Express News
Kohima | Aug 29
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today suggested that the “settlement” offered by the Government of India in its negotiations with the Naga political groups may be considered.
He quoted Prime Minister Modi as stating that 80% of the agreement was agreed upon, and the 20% which is not being ‘understood or cannot negotiate’ be kept for further discussion. “They shouldn’t say no because they signed, we didn’t sign,” stated Rio.
Presenting his concluding remarks on the discussion of the Naga political issues, Rio appreciated all speakers for their participation with “good intention and clarity.”
Highlighting the chronology of the Naga national movement, he shared concerns and challenges with the limited role to be played by the elected representatives who have taken oath under the Constitution of India.
Rio informed that the Assembly had passed six resolutions on the integration of Naga contiguous areas – a unanimous decision, and that it is under the competency to discuss. Stating that the formation of the Joint Legislature Forum in 2009 has made significant strides toward achieving a peaceful solution to the long-standing Naga political issue, he said, the signing of the Framework Agreement with the NSCN (IM) and the Agreed Position with the NNPGs, have raised hopes for lasting peace in the state.
Citing the greeting message of then Governor of Nagaland and interlocutor, RN Ravi that “the people of Nagaland are anxiously waiting for the new dawn with the reaching of common understanding on all issues on the table and conclusion of talks” on October 1, 2019, Rio expressed disappointment that despite numerous consultations, solution remain elusive till today.
Unity an integral part towards solution
Emphasising on the importance of unity among Nagas, Rio maintained that the 26 groups should also come together as ‘opposition-less’ on the table of negotiations and take decision.
“Unless, we come together and unite, how will our solution have inclusiveness, honourable and acceptable?” asked Rio. Without unity, the solution will have no inclusiveness, and without inclusiveness, the agreement would not be honourable and if it’s not honourable, it will not be acceptable to the Naga people, the CM said.
He also highlighted the dangerous situation created by taxation by 26 groups, although only five groups signed agreements. “With 10-15 designated camps, all collecting tax, public cannot survive on this” stated Rio and also attributed the lack of industry and manufacturing units in the state to taxations and extortion.
Public as pressure group
While suggesting that the Government of India’s ‘settlement’ ne considered, Rio stated that the public will be the pressure group; and informed that the next joint meeting will be held with the CSOs, tribal hohos, faith based organisations, senior citizens and all stakeholders.
Rio asserted that civil society must be thoroughly educated on the issues, and that the state government has requested the NSCN (IM) and the NNPGs about the discussions, contentious issues and competencies under the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position.
“We will study and take consultations with them before we meet the CSOs,” said Rio.
He further opined that if the Naga groups are mandated by the people, as asserted, then “they should listen to the voice of the people.”
The Chief Minister also made an appeal to all Naga political groups and stakeholders to be “sensitive” to the deep yearning of the people and continue with their sincere efforts to ensure that solution is reached without any further delay.
“A political solution that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable to the Naga people will usher in an era of faster economic growth, greater investment and bring greater employment opportunity for the youth and all round development and progress” Rio stated.
