‘Spectrum of the Naga political talks has now become larger’

RN Ravi gets grand reception; pays glowing tribute to civil society for bringing NNPGs together

Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 23  

Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks, RN Ravi on Monday hailed the Naga civil societies and the tribal bodies for bringing the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) under one umbrella to formally participate in a dialogue with the Government of India for an inclusive solution to the Naga political issue.  

“No organization in today’s world can ignore the voice of peace. You made it happen, the credit goes to you,” Ravi said in a glowing tribute to the efforts made by the Naga civil societies and tribal bodies in bringing the NNPGs together in the interest of the Naga people.  

“This is indeed a historic development. Because how so ever comprehensive or complex the Naga issue is…We can’t leave anyone out,” Ravi, who arrived in Dimapur today to hold the second round of talk with the Working Committee of the 6 NNPGs, stated. 

Upon landing in Dimapur, the Interlocutor was greeted with a public reception organized by the NTC along with ENPO, NGBF, CNTC and other NGOs outside the Dimapur Airport gate after which a “facilitatory” meeting was held at Rhodondendron Hall, Police Officer’s mess, NAPTC prior to the sitting with the Working Committee of the 6 NNPGs.   The 6 NNPGs include the GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and the NNC/GDRN (NA).  

The Interlocutor maintained that whenever a solution to the Naga political issue is reached, it must have the widest possible acceptance of the Nagas people and “it must be an occasion of celebration for all of us- not that some are celebrating, some are sulking and some are not very happy.”  

Ravi said with the inclusion of the 6 NNPGs, the spectrum of the Naga political talks has now become larger. With this new beginning, Ravi urged the Naga civil societies and tribal bodies to ensure that the unity among the groups continue and those who are left out also become part of the negotiation.  

Ravi also recalled the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time of signing of the Framework Agreement that it was an “embarrassment for a country like India that has not resolved the Naga issue for such a long time.” He reiterated the PM’s statement that the Naga issue would be settled on the principle of equality and mutual respect.  

The Interlocutor also stressed on the need to be realistic, honest and sincere on all contentious issues in the interest of both the entities. “Better be brutally honest because eventually none of us is so smart as to fool the other side for long,” he said.  

Pointing out that the GoI has its limitation and the leaders of the country are bound by the system in place, Ravi said within these limitations, we should strive to get the maximum possible which is “not only honorable in appearance but also honorable in substance.”  

While Ravi did not spell out a specific timeframe on reaching a solution to the Indo-Naga political issue, he implied that a solution ought to be reached before the 2019 Indian general election.  

The Interlocutor reminded that the GoI does not have the luxury to drag on the issue for years, while keeping in mind that while the two entities may remain, its character may change with change of leadership and government.  

This would also mean that a solution before the Nagaland general assembly election scheduled on 2018 may not be possible, keeping in mind that the dialogue with the Working Committee of the six NNPGs is just in the initial stage.   The first round of talks between the Working Committee and the Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks was held on September 27, 2017 in Delhi where an 18 member delegation led by N Kitovi Zhimomi participated. Monday’s meeting of the two sides, held behind closed doors, was the second.