K. Filip Sumi
Dimapur | April 3
For the first time, talks may soon begin between the GPRN/NSCN and Government of India (GoI) if the recent ground works being prepared for the dialogue gains momentum. GPRN/NSCN sources revealed that a five-member delegation led by ‘Ato Kilonser’ N. Kitovi Zhimomi met the GoI officials in Delhi on March 30 to prepare the ground works for the talks between the two sides. It was also a sort of courtesy call as the ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire by April 30 though its extension was yet to be decided.
According to GPRN/NSCN sources, the two sides exchanged opinions that the Naga political problem should not be prolonged and must be peacefully solved democratically. It said GoI was affirmative about such dialogue. “It has been a positive start and we have prepared the ground for talks though no specific date has been fixed. However, only after enough in-depth consultation with all the Naga tribal bodies and thorough communication, we will enter into a negotiation with the GoI. Whatever the Naga people say we will take it to the Government of India,” said the GPRN/NSCN source.
The GPRN/NSCN leaders also disclosed this particular development during its meeting with Western Sumi organisations held at Khehoi Designated Camp on Tuesday. According to the source, Kitovi said “Egg has been hatched but it is yet to be known whether it’s a hen or a cock.” Kitovi’s speech supposedly implied that the stage has been set for the talks with the GoI but the time, date and modalities for the dialogue were yet to be known.
Speaking over phone, Western Sumi Hoho President, Luhevi said Western Sumi frontal organisations had a fruitful discussion with the GPRN/NSCN. He said the GPRN/NSCN apprised them of the GPRN/NSCN leaders’ visit to Delhi and their preparation for talks with the GoI. According to Luhevi, Kitovi said since the GoI has rejected the NSCN (I-M)’s demand for sovereignty and integration, the GPRN/NSCN would also be told the same. In that likelihood, Kitovi sought the views of the Western Sumis on what must be told to the GoI when they begin talks, Luhevi said. Kitovi suggested that a core committee be formed which will collect and bring the views of the Sumi people to the GPRN/NSCN. To this, Luhevi said they would first consult with the Sumi Hoho and its allied bodies and discuss the suggestion.
Luhevi opined that whatever decision the GPRN/NSCN take it should be for the welfare of the younger generation. He expressed the need for dialogue to be started between the GPRN/NSCN and GoI.
The meeting was chaired was NPAC Convenor, Azheto Chophy and attended by ‘Ato Kilonser’ Kitovi, ‘Kilo Kilonser’ Hothrong Yimchungru, other high ranking officials, Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou, Western Sumi Students’ Union, Western Sumi Totimi Hoho and Western Sumi Youth Front.
Two weeks earlier, the GPRN/NSCN had also met office bearers of the United Naga Council, Tahamzam at Khehoi designated camp. The meeting according to GPRN/NSCN was to understand one another and bridging the gap of whatever misunderstanding or misgiving that might be present.
“We wanted to hear from them about their demand for Alternative Political Arrangement and that we support their desire,” the source said. It said the UNC explained the genesis of their struggle and how they have suffered socially and economically under the “communal government” in Manipur. “We cannot ignore them as we have a sizeable number of workers from their side,” the source said. The GPRN/NSCN and UNC decided to have frequent discussions between them. Around 15 members from the UNC attended the meeting. Last time the two sides met was two years back.
