A Spl Interview :::: “Nagaland state Govt has done precious little for Solution” -- eminent Naga social worker H. Khekuto Khulu, (Retd - IAS)

A Spl Interview ::::   

with eminent Naga social worker H. Khekuto Khulu, (Retd - IAS)

“Nagaland state Govt has done precious little for Solution” --  

Nirendra Dev (Blogger): 

I think some of you got together and launched a new organisation, the Concerned Naga Forum for Nagaland (CNFN). As we understand, more than any new organisation, Nagaland needs a new roadmap. Your take on this. 

 

Khulu : 

The ‘Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland’ (CNFN) was launched in January 2026 with the sole aim of pressurising the Government of India and also the State Government – who has the role of a facilitator to implement the Solution agreement in Nagaland based on the two agreements signed between the Government of India and the Naga political groups or Insurgents — the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017. Talks were concluded on Oct 31, 2019, as announced by the Governor/Interlocutor Shri R N Ravi. 

A resolution was duly adopted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the Motion of Thanks to the Address of the Governor on January 2020.

 

Blogger: 

In terms of issues and pending Solution to Naga talks, I think if there is a gold medal for patience, Nagas should get it. Peace parleys started in 1997. We are about to reach 2027. That's 30 years. Two interim pacts came - one in 2015 and another in 2017 - yet Solution is not in sight. How long can you tolerate these double standards of political class - I mean both overt and covert (or underground)?

 

Khulu: 

To be frank, the Nagaland state Govt has done precious little, even after having an Opposition-less Government, to facilitate the peace process…. All these, even after a lapse of more than seven years since 2019 since the conclusion of talks as stated by the Interlocutor and something which was adopted by the Assembly.

 

Blogger: 

The chief minister Neiphiu Rio claimed in his Independence Day speech that a Minister of State led committee 'has been constituted'. In Delhi, none knew about any such panel for days and weeks. This is a height of it. Such a statement came on a solemn day. You are a former bureaucrat yourself. Where is the Accountability gone down the Dhansiri river?

 

Khulu: 

The announcement made by the Chief Minister of Nagaland in his Independence Day speech on 15th August 2026 … certainly a solemn day. This is out and out a blatant lie as it has turned out. 

Ajit Lal, ex-IPS, a retired bureaucrat, has been appointed as the “interlocutor” by the Government of India. The letter came from Union Home Secretary. No appointment of such importance is done like that. We do not mind but there is no mention of any committee under a Minister of State or political-level mediators. 

Some people have developed a unique style of saying something and managing to stay fit and okay. I laugh at times.

 

Blogger: 

Now I want to ask something on the role of the civil society. As someone who has worked in Nagaland in the 1990s; we saw the civil society was always powerful. Today... the whispering ... someone is behaving like youth wing of the ruling party - often raising issues which the state Govt is comfortable. There are others - who have gone silent. The next generation will have to pay a price for this silence - one is afraid.

 

Khulu: 

Extortion continues. There are 38 factions, whereas ceasefire agreements were with only six groups. The State Government, which has to be responsible for law and order, seems to be helpless, and perhaps the Government of India is happy with the incumbent regime to let Nagas continue to fight amongst themselves. 

The youngsters, as well as right-thinking elders, have a serious concern for the future of the state, particularly for the upcoming generations. A group of youngsters, which started as “Fed Up Nagas”, has now matured and is pressing the issue or solution as the “Naga Youth Movement”.

 

Khulu and other public spirited Naga leaders with Governor Nand Kishore Yadav

Blogger: 

What is the next roadmap? The extortion continues. Youngsters are unhappy.. Do you see a gap has emerged between elders and young people? As I interact with some sociologists - they say - some Netas believe 'money' is answer to all problems. Long back, Nagaland has suffered due to 2 Ws - wine and wealth. Have we come back to the same point? 

 

Khulu: 

Some may believe that “money” is the answer to all problems, but most of the Naga people believe that peace, development and clarity of vision for the future of the people are the real need and the answer to a brighter Nagaland.

 

Blogger: 

What about the recent appointment of a businessman from Kohima district as ‘go between’ for parleys by NSCN-IM; people are raising eyebrows. One statement has already come from a faction criticizing such a move. What’s your take?

 

Khulu: 

I cannot comment on a matter which is beyond my jurisdiction. However, it is strange that a “go between” for Parleys by NSCN (IM) is appointed. It is not known whether the appointed person is a cadre of the NSCN (IM). 

Moreover, talks have already been concluded on 31-10-2019 agreement have already been signed with NSCN (IM) in 2015 and NNPGs in 2017. 

This is creating confusion among the people of Nagaland

 

Ends