Karaiba Chawang
Kohima | January 31
IN AN apparent boost to the protracted Naga political struggle, the Nagaland People Front (NPF) today made a categorical assertion that statehood brought under the 16-point agreement is not the final settlement, but is yet to come.
State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who addressed the Central Executive Committee meeting of the NPF said that although Statehood under the 16 point agreement has brought some respite to the Nagas, it was signed by some over-ground leaders, excluding the underground and as such the Naga political problem is far from being resolved.
Rio, for the first time made a remark on former Chief Minister of the State and present Governor of Goa, SC Jamir stating that the latter had made several attempt to stall the political settlement even up to the extent of publishing of “Bedrock of Naga Society”, and tried to convince the people that the Naga political struggle is over.
But for NPF the issue is not yet resolved. “Naga political problem has not been resolved. So we (NPF) have taken the path of negotiated settlement acceptable to the Nagas”, Rio said, adding that for the Congress, Statehood is the final solution to the Indo-Naga conflict.
The Chief Minister also said that NPF is the felicitator to the peace process.
The best platform to protect Naga identity is the regional, said Rio, adding that other political party adopt alien culture and try to train on the Nagas thereby diluting our identity.
“We have not changed our policy of equi-closeness”, Rio said. NPF, he said is different from other political parties as far as the Naga political problem is concerned.
Dr Shurhozelie, Minister for Urban Development and President of the NPF, said that as a political party, NPF is for early negotiated political settlement of the Naga political problem. He said that his party will continue to create confidence in the mind of the people as far as the peace process is concerned as peace is the prerequisite to a political settlement.
“Therefore we appeal to the GOI and the underground groups to continue ceasefire so as create congenial atmosphere for political dialogue”, said Dr Shurhozelie.
“We continue to maintain our stand that in the event of any political settlement arrived at, we will not stand on the way but give way for any alternative arrangement that may come about. This is our stand and we will continue to work till the goal is achieved”, Dr Shurhozelie added.
