Mixed Bag: Centre categorically against any "post Solution violence", NNPG mounts pressure

Dimapur

The 25-year old Naga peace talks have reached a critical stage and peace emissary AK Mishra-led panel on Thursday handed over a 'Compiled Document' to both NSCN-IM and NNPG leaders during separate meetings at Chumokedima.

"The Govt of India is strictly against no post Solution violence and therefore it has been treading the path cautiously. We are committed and we want all stakeholders to be on board," a source said sharing some information on Mishra and Mandeep Singh Tuli holding separate meetings with NNPG and NSCN-IM leaders.

The big takeaway from today's meetings have been that the NNPG leaders were losing patience and they "mounted pressure" on the two representatives not to continue with such prolonged delays.  

At least four of the NNPG leaders N Kitovi Zhimomi, Wangtin, Isak Sumi and Zopra Vero reportedly Mishra and Tuli that if these meetings are be held in routine manner periodically and there is "no progress" -- It could be better for Nagas of Nagaland not to hold such meetings at all.

Sources said altogether 10 NNPG leaders and representatives met both the central representatives and four of them were particularly vocal.

Sources said some vested interests are still against Solution and and are looking for one excuse or the other to continue with the status quo.

One leader even reportedly said, "If no concrete forward movement is made, what is the use of these meetings".

"The Nagas had rested hopes on Govt of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi especially after Agreed Position was signed and even made public  but over the last few years things are being delayed and deferred with even cock and bull stories and vague arguments," another NNPG leader reportedly said at the closed door meeting.

At one point even one of the central government representative sounded apologetic and also reportedly admitted there have been delays certainly notwithstanding repeated assurances to the contrary.

It has been once again clarified to all concerned that on issues such as Flag and Constitution, the Government of India will not change its decision. The centre had rested hopes on Jan 14 meeting between NNPG and NSCN-IM but that exercise also lost its essence within three days.

The roles being played by the elected state government from time to time on peace talks also figured prominently, sources said.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is likely to meet Governor La Ganesan on Saturday or Sunday (April 15/16) and matters related to peace talks may also figure, the source added.

Ends 

NNPG functionary's 'black shirt' protest

Dimapur 

The April 13 meeting between NNPG delegation and two central government representatives A K Mishra and Mandeep Singh Tuli turned an interesting event with lighter moments, anecdotes and symbolism.

Sources said one NNPG functionary came in black shirt and told the participants during a break -- "You guys must be wondering why I am on a black shirt during this Dimapur summer and scorching heat".

And before anyone responded, he said, "Well gentlemen this is my Naga way of democratic expression of protest for the grievances I have against the Govt of India for delaying our Naga peace talks in this manner".

While there was a mixed reaction as some were found grinning and a few others opted to remain silent; one of the central government functionaries said --- "But I am also on black trousers". At this the NNPG functionary [black shirt man] retorted, "Thank you so much sir for showing solidarity with me".

At this needless to add the entire gathering broke in a peels of laughter.

Another NNPG leader told the central government representatives-- "The Govt of India should take note that the Chinese authorities have renamed even a few Naga dominated areas of Arunachal Pradesh".

During the meeting, the NNPG leaders said the "growing trust deficit" should be a matter of concern.

However, the central government representatives supported by colleagues from Kohima repeatedly appealed for patience, co-operation and co-ordination.

They made it clear more than once that the  Modi government and both PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah "are very very serious and working hard" to fulfil Naga aspirations.

The Govt of India has made it clear that it

is strictly against any "post Solution violence" and therefore it has been treading the path cautiously. "We are committed and we want all stakeholders to be on board," a source said.

The big takeaway from the meetings has been that the NNPG leaders were losing patience and they sought to "mount pressure" on the two representatives.

At least four of the NNPG leaders N Kitovi Zhimomi, Wangtin, Isak Sumi and Zopra Vero reportedly Mishra and Tuli that if these meetings are be held in routine manner periodically and there is "no progress" -- It could be better for Nagas of Nagaland not to hold such meetings at all.

Ends