Naga issue is not antique jewellery to be auctioned in Delhi, says pro solution NNPG
New Delhi
The Naga underground leaders owing allegiance to the pro-solution Naga National Politics Groups (NNPG) say they have been showing patience. They have been cooperating with the Government of India and also have been appreciating centre's practical problems and walking the tightrope.
But the umbrella organisation of seven militant groups now has cautioned that holding of 'elections' in the state, due Feb-March 2023, without Indo-Naga Political Agreement could evoke "unprecedented reactions and harsh consequences".
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Elections are due in Nagaland by February-March 2023 and NNPG insiders say there are elements
in state politics who want to sabotage the peace process.
"The Working Committee of NNPGs too relented and elections were conducted (in 2018).
If elections are announced in Nagaland (read 2023) without Indo-Naga Political Agreement, there will be
unprecedented reactions and harsh consequences from Naga people whom they betrayed," a statement
from the NNPG said.
The group has particularly taken exception to recent media statements and interviews given by chairman of the
ruling alliance in the state, T R Zeliang.
"The UDA Chairman Mr. T R Zealiang, as reported in the media, has sought from the Centre/Government the
highest offer from Govt of India. The Working Committee of NNPGs would advise him to understand the word
"FACILITATOR" and whether he is facilitating or doing something else. With each passing day his media utterances
sound more like a third party negotiator in the Indo-Naga political talks," the statement said.
It also said : "The UDA Chairperson (Zeliang), where Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is an ally in the
opposition-less Nagaland government, must bear moral responsibility should the 31st October 2019
declaration of conclusion of political talks by all negotiating entities, is kept in the back-burner".
The angry outbursts came close on the heels of Zeliang telling an electronic medium that he and Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio have asked the centre's negotiator A K Mishra to clarify what is the maximum offer from
the Government of India to the negotiating parties of Naga peace talks - that is the NSCN (IM) and the NNPG.
From the statement it is apparent, the NNPG feels state political leaders like Zeliang or state ministers and legislators
of the present House have only role of a 'facilitator'. Thus it was unwise and not expected of him to demand in a
commanding tone from centre what is the highest, final or maximum offer.
The NNPG stated: "In essence, the declaration of conclusion of talks (on Oct 31, 2019) marks the end of facilitator's
role. The onus lies with negotiators and Govt of India to fulfill people's aspiration. An old saying, "too many cooks spoil
the broth" is worth a reminder".
It further explained: "The Indo-Naga issue is not an antique jewellery to be auctioned in New Delhi. Negotiations have concluded between Government of India and Naga negotiators. There are better and greater communication
channels between Govt of India and Working Committee of NNPGs."
"The Working Committee (WC) Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has always maintained a fine balance
between Naga historical right and the practical reality of the present situation. The Govt of India has acknowledged
the Naga people's political aspiration," it stated.
The mandate of the just concluded Manipur elections is seen by political observers as a serious
push for an early solution to the Naga peace process and a possible signing of the peace pact.
It may be mentioned that former Chief Minister T R Zeliang is a NPF leader and the party had backed Congress
candidate K L Chishi during 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Notably, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee had described the decision of the Naga People’s Front
(NPF) to support Congress candidate K L Chishi for the Lok Sabha polls in Nagaland as
“magnanimous and above political boundaries”.
Those in the know of things suggest in recent weeks Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
also gave a serious push for an early solution to the Naga problem. Rio had spoken on these lines
in Senapati in Manipur during election campaign.
During Feb 16 election speech at Senapati in Manipur, Rio had said, "I want a solution because that will bring
a new hope for the youth, the students and for the future".
The BJP's comfortable win in Manipur, now that it does not need to depend on allies, like the Naga People's
Front (NPF) should make it easier for its government to resist pressure from the Naga legislators.
NNPG leader N Kitovi Zhimomi recently told a group of youngsters that the proposed new Naga Peace
Accord should offer win-win situation for all and that "the rule of law" must be upheld.
"We ought to have the rule of law. People have to have rules that apply equally to everyone. One cannot dream
of Nagaland as a state where we pursue - my way or the highway," Kitovi has told a group of youngsters during
a virtual video conference.
The 64-year-old former rebel leader Zhimomi, a noted Sema Naga and Convener of Naga National Political
Groups (NNPG), was once associate of rebel leader S S Khaplang, who generally operated from his hideout in
Myanmar.
The NNPG had inked a Preamble Agreement with the government of India on Nov 17, 2017 and has been insisting
for an early peace accord to end the decade-old vexed Naga insurgency.
Sources said at Consultative Committee meeting at Kohima on March 9, the meeting, Chief Minister Rio also said that
if solution is not arrived at and a peace pact is not inked, it could be difficult to hold or face next year's elections in Nagaland.
Rio and his colleagues are expected to brief Home Minister Amit Shah soon on the deliberations of March 9 meeting.
Meanwhile, Rio party NDDP has conveyed to BJP chief J P Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah that as part of 2018
alliance formula, the lone Rajya Sabha berth from Nagaland would be given to the saffron party.
ends
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Nirendra Dev
New Delhi
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