‘Time for Naga youth to fulfill their potential without denying history’

The NGBF delegation with Nagaland State Governor, RN Ravi.

•    NGBF writes to Prime Minister, assures to keep the peace 
•    Calls for a practical, workable political mechanism

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 25 (MExN): The Nagaland GBs Federation (NGBF), along with the GBs of 11 Districts and 2 Sub-divisions, met with Nagaland State Governor and Interlocutor for the Naga peace talks, RN Ravi this weekend, where the latter affirmed its desire for an early solution to the Naga political issue. 

Ravi reportedly expressed happiness over the role played by the GBs and assured the delegations that the Government of India is committed to solve the Naga political issue “within a short period of time,” informed a press note from the NGBF. 

The NGBF submitted a memo addressed to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, stressing that the time has come now to give a chance to the coming generation of Nagas to “fulfill their potential without denying their history, culture, identity and political right. “

“The NGBF acknowledge the current Indian leadership with you at the helm. We believe the solution to Naga question will entrench your reputation as the most dynamic and committed leader in the democratic world,” it said.

It meanwhile urged that if there remain unresolved issues, requiring democratic and political process, the negotiating parties should, in the interest of both India and Nagas, decide the best acceptable course for the future.

“Inordinate delay in the ‘Indo-Naga Peace Talks’ has done more harm than good to all the stakeholders. Everything has a season. As promised, the negotiating parties are urged to announce honourable and acceptable solution within three months,” it stated. 

The NGBF further appealed that “whatever is agreed upon should be translated into a practical and workable political mechanism.”

It meanwhile assured that the federation would work to keep the peace when settlement of the Naga political issue is announced. 

“We the Nagaland GB (Village Chief) Federation (NGBF), the custodians of Naga Customary Laws and Traditions, and as representative and messengers of our people at the grass-root level, assure that we shall ensure our people maintain peace and public order as and when Indo-Naga Political settlement is announced,” the letter stated. 

It further assured co-operation during the implementation and transitional period together with the tribal bodies and frontal organizations of Nagaland. “We are prepared to welcome honourable, acceptable and peaceful political solution as cherished by our people for decades,” it added.

 The NGBF, while congratulating the Prime Minister on his victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections, stated that his leadership would be crucial at this critical juncture of history for the Naga people, the people of India and the world at large.

The federation stated that the Naga people have been yearning for real peace and stability for over five decades post the colonial period. 

“Every decade saw one or the other agreement or statutes mounted over the Nagas, orchestrated by few without taking the confidence of the stakeholders. Instead of pursuing political dialogue over a political problem, the heavily militarized Naga land saw only military engagements between Indian army and Naga nationalists. The conflict intensified resulting in innumerable loss to lives on both sides. New armed Naga Nationalist organizations emerged,” it recalled.

 It however noted that in recent times, “all stakeholders, including Naga Tribal Bodies, Naga Civil Societies, Students, Mothers, and Interdenominational Churches are much involved in the process,” making reference to the Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN (IM) and the ‘Agreed Position' with the Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).

The NGBF expressed confidence that the Prime Minster would put “commitment to practice now that WC, NNPGs and GoI interlocutor on Indo-Naga peace talks RN Ravi has touched most of the crucial matters in the two years of negotiations.” It said that Ravi, who is also the Governor of Nagaland state, “has assured the Naga people that settlement will be announced within three months. This is the most opportune time for GoI and Nagas to resolve the conflict.”