A Spl Interview on Naga Talks :::: “NNPGs laid the foundation for Inclusive and pragmatic Solution in 2017”

 Face to Face: 

“NNPGs laid the foundation for Inclusive and pragmatic Solution to the Naga problem in 2017”

G. Naga is Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN (Kitovi faction) and also Secretary, Working Committee, NNPG 

Question: 

The July 17th meeting is being hyped. In 2017 also such an effort was made. In 2017, we got the Agreed Position and the Status Paper .... but in the ultimate the final Solution Agreement did not come?

G Naga (GPRN/NSCN-Kitovi) : Well, it is not a hype ... I am afraid. It is rather a continuous evolution of the subject matter. Factually yes, Solution did not happen as desired because of many factors. 

That doesn't mean we did nothing to take corrective steps. All six groups have now come forward for a joint meeting on July 17th with the government interlocutor Mr A K Mishra. 

Inclusivity is paramount and hopefully all our other Naga entities ... leadership will eventually strengthen the common process.  This meeting that is, 17th July 2025, will go a long way because I sense a strong socio-political base for early Solution has been reignited.

  

Question: 

On this backdrop, can I ask you ... what about the future roadmap ?

G Naga : 

The future roadmap is to work harder for an acceptable and honorable political solution, without erasing Naga identity and history. This is the basis of the Agreed Position.

As long as the Govt of India respects the negotiated matters and walk the talk on that agreed principle, there is a clear hope of enduring peace. These occasional meets may excite you and few of your friends but for me it is the same uneasy feeling which perhaps my grandfather too felt in 1947. 

The Govt of India will either respect our history, identity and give Nagas adequate space to flourish and coexist with it as a people or hurt Naga sentiment and force us to react. 

Equation hasn't changed much really since India's independence.

Question: 

Do you think the GoI is serious enough on resolving the Naga issue?   

G Naga: 

In life one has to take all the necessary steps to maintain peace and ensure all round development, without losing one's identity, history and culture. This recognition is a political necessity. 

I believe the GoI has more clarity now than let's say ten years ago. Nagas are glad that the Govt of India took keen interest to revive the talks which got stalled somehow due to commercialization of the Indo-Naga issue and selfish agenda of vested interest parties. 

Thankfully, the Govt of India now knows the pulse of the villagers on the ground as well as that of the scoundrels at the top plucking the cherries of statehood whilst cursing the signatories.

Question: 

What was it like on the ground in 2017 when the GoI and NNPGs Negotiation began?

G Naga: 

I really thank God for the Naga leaders who signed the Agreed Position. It wasn't your typical lone wolf kind of negotiation. Nor was it two or three leaders behind closed door churning out hundreds of pages framing Utopian notion of Naga solution. From the very first day, the idea was to take the message of the masses based on Naga history and identity to the Indian government. 

On the eve, the NNPG negotiating team was meeting Tribal Hohos and numerous Naga civil societies everyday. Upon arrival at Delhi, they were a tight knit group constantly brainstorming on all matters and on most days. There was a prominent group of elderly Naga intellectuals, eminent tribal leaders, GBs, and prayer warriors who were a constant source of strength and communicated either over phone or met in person. 

It was motivation and hard work in the run up to the signing of the Agreed Position. We set  things closer to reality. Our Status Paper was very elaborate. 

We handled issues very carefully and every negotiated point was put to paper, signed and sealed. Naga leader and NNPG convener N Kitovi Zhimomi took a bold step; If GoI recognises Naga historical and political rights, Nagas must reciprocate in equal measure and respect GoI's position. 

Only then, Naga sentiment will be respected. 

We had to engage a number of constitutional luminaries who understood the Indo-Naga political conflict as well as the limitations and possibilities in the legal spectrum. Negotiations can't be done through oratory skills alone. 

Putting things on record for posterity is what matters. I believe former interlocutor Mr R N Ravi was taken aback by our meticulous system. It was an ingenious move. 

He noticed our way of negotiations having more accountability instead of losing the way in laborious rhetoric and philosophical questionnaires. 

Question:

What is that in the Status paper that fascinates or excites you the most?

G Naga:

You see my friend, the mass has a different perception. They ridicule us on media platforms, throw us to the wolves with a preconceived mind. Fair enough, we understand that a society like ours is  divided to the marrow by tribalism and sadly Naga nationalism is like an old hermit, isolated, ill-treated when seen through tribal prism. 

I can tell you today, the NNPG in effect laid the foundation for an Inclusive and pragmatic Solution to Naga problem in 2017. 

Nevertheless, the Status Paper has a new historical setting prepared for our people be it in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh or Assam. I can vouch for it that once the Agreement is implemented, someday our people will realise that it was the only practical and historically correct decision at a given time. 

Question

You sound quite optimistic now...

G Naga 

I hope that today's vilification of Naga National Political groups will eventually change and give way to political, social, cultural and economic regeneration of Naga lands and people in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. 

I am not excited as such but I am convinced that very soon if GoI exhibits political will, if GoI has the spine, Nagas will experience tremendous positive transformation from the grassroots to the apex and it will be in the interest of both the Govt of India and Nagas.

Question : 

So we may get the broader consensus sooner than later. The patience seems to have worked.  

G Naga : 

Patience does pays. That's a very old saying. So, now we expect all Naga stakeholders to seriously commit to the process and come forward. 

Individual differences will always be there but to my understanding, the boilover do not spill across to the Govt of India table. Solution and peace is the language on the ground. Some people have taken risk to bring home solution while others will take equal risk to sabotage solution. We know one hundred percent acceptability may not come. 

The emphasis now is to go for an early Agreement to be inked. New Delhi must not waste time on those churning different stories. The focus must shift to comprehensive common draft.

I feel the next couple of months or so will be very crucial. More Naga political entities may join in the next round of deliberations. 

That would broaden the horizon for all stakeholders.

Question:

So finally, we may call it a new beginning to achieve the much needed Inclusive Solution. 

G Naga:

For something as sensitive as the Naga issue, there's a long distance between the cup and the lip. Yes, we've had the latest meeting on a good note but history tells us that saboteurs could spring up from any corner inventing outrageous stories to mislead the common man. 

Many civil society leaders could succumb to pressure and intimidation. Also, the lure of honorary positions and personal benefits could force many into their shells. 

Question:

Then New Delhi also must be more than cautious .....

G Naga :

The Govt of India is well aware of this dimension in the Naga context. New Delhi's position and the Naga position has clarity through intense negotiations. Our apex tribal bodies, hereditary chieftains, the Church, intellectuals, mothers, student bodies and concerned citizens have all invested heavily in the current political process and rightly, they are the real stakeholders. 

The working committee of NNPGs has reconnected the dots, heralded a  correct  space and time for a crucial political exercise. 

Every Naga is deeply affected by the failure to arrive at a solution. What we achieved on July 17th could be called a baby step and it was a vital one. 

I hope this time Nagas would insist on a political solution that would not only entrench our history and identity but also give wings to our future generations to co-exist with India.

ends

G Naga and his 'friend' /blogger