DIMAPUR, JULY 21 (MExN): The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) led by Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi has issued a rejoinder to a recent statement made by the Rising People’s Party (RPP), terming it “ambiguous,” “misguided,” and lacking in understanding of the Indo-Naga political discourse.
A statement from the media cell of the WC, NNPGs criticised the RPP’s remarks as reflecting “a lack of maturity and coherence, showcasing an unorganized group that struggles to understand the complexities of the current Indo-Naga political discourse.”
“Their inability to grasp the nuances of the issues at hand reflects poorly on their capacity to engage meaningfully,” it said. “Many educated sons and daughters of Naga National Workers initially admired RPP's programs, but engaging recklessly with such a sensitive topic, which had cost countless lives in the past, is unwise. Respecting the past is crucial for the living.”
The WC further stated that the RPP, “a registered Indian political party,” had been “notably ineffective,” pointing out that the party had not been able to nominate “even a single suitable candidate for any State General Elections.”
“Their current role appears to be more obstructive than constructive, serving as a hindrance to the developmental initiatives within the state,” it said. The WC accused the RPP of undermining “Naga history, identity, and political aspirations,” and termed its public commentary on the Indo-Naga peace process as unacceptable.
“The disruption of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace deal with the Government of India through negative commentary disseminated in the media under the auspices of an Indian political party is unacceptable. Such propositions, whether positive or negative, may only be sanctioned when articulated by a loyal citizen. However, when these statements originate from a registered political party within the state, they cannot be tolerated,” the statement asserted.
It added that as a political party and “not a negotiating party,” RPP had “no right to intervene.” The WC, NNPGs, however, extended an invitation for a broader discussion if the RPP had any constructive input.
“If they have agendas or any suggestive inputs that are beneficial for the common citizens, in that case, why not call all the Naga Political Groups to sit across the table and discuss their views? What do the RPP want the Government of India to do? Do the RPP know the Ground Reality?” it questioned. The WC also rejected RPP’s criticism of former interlocutor RN Ravi, calling the party’s claims regarding the “Agreed Position” as “fundamentally misguided and lacking credibility.”
Further responding to RPP’s criticism of the visit by the Government of India’s representative AK Mishra, the WC remarked: “The RPP has criticized the Government of India (GOI), representative AK Mishra's visit, regarding Naga talks, a waste of public resources. As a new Indian political party, the RPP should demonstrate a clear understanding of the current Indo-Naga political situation.”
Taking particular exception to RPP’s interpretation of the “Agreed Position” signed on November 17, 2017, the WC said “it is concerning that the RPP lacks understanding of this and the critical 'Status Paper.' The WC, NNPGs want to emphasize that the 'Status Paper' was crafted with extensive effort, resources, and prayer support. Every page reflects careful negotiation between the GOI and NNPGs, honouring Naga history and identity, and providing political and administrative recognition for Nagas across Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam,” the statement said.
“RPP failed to represent the complexities and realities surrounding the ‘Agreed Position’ signed between the Nagas and the GOI,” it added.
