Dimapur, January 6 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed optimism that the year 2021 would usher in a political solution to the Indo-Naga peace talks.
In a press release on Wednesday, NPCC President K Therie said that the party’s policy of non-violence for resolution of the Nagaland political problem is consistent while welcoming the decision of the NSCN (K) led by Niki Sumi to join the peace talks.
The release stated that the party has endeavoured to resolve the Naga political issue through peaceful and constitutional means while citing various talks offered by former prime ministers since the inception of the state.
“Talks began with NSCN (IM) in July 1997 and Dr S C Jamir, the then Chief Minister, announced Ceasefire on July 25, 1997 with effect from August 1, 1997. These past histories are realities that have made a difference,” it stated.
However, it observed that “deliberate loose Ceasefire Ground Rules are responsible for illegal collection and extortions that has etched a history of assassinations, shootings, kidnappings and ransom demands, bank robberies, rapes and intimidations.”
The party claimed that the government of the day has given “full facilitation” to these activities and as a result, the brunt was upon the public who are now seeking peaceful solution while “keeping the demand of sovereignty in silence.”
“It is division and extortion that have weakened the Northeast. It is not our loss of patience or patriotism, it said, while adding that now; people look for protection from the Indian security forces and fear our own Naga National Workers.
Further, the party stated that the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement “has given a guiding light to the solution,” and the talks between NNPGs and GOI have reached agreed points on November 17, 2017.
“The solution for Nagaland is in the pipeline,” it said while adding that the AICC High Powered Committee has been apprised of the present status on September 25, 2020 and have agreed to support the solution.
The party meanwhile stated that “the issue now is pending with Manipur.”
It recounted the public meeting at Ukhrul soon after the 16 Point Agreement and Statehood which RC Chiten Jamir had attended, and claimed that the Manipur Nagas had rejected integrating with the new Nagaland state.
“Secondly when Naga leaders from Manipur became CM in Manipur, they were the ones who announced that not an inch of land will be parted. We thought with time it will be amended but even in the Framework Agreement, the question of integration was non-issue,” it added.
While appealing Manipur Nagas to resolve differences, if any, the party noted that the Government of India “is aware of the ethnic history and values,” and by way of special provisions, ethnic values, culture and social practices of Manipur Nagas should be safeguarded and self determination should be allowed.
“However, the Manipur problem should not be the reason of delay for Nagaland any longer,” it added.
