DIMAPUR, JULY 28 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today stated that the final solution to the Indo-Naga problem should be acceptable by the all sections of the Naga people. At the same time, the Congress expressed concern over the recent plea of Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on the Naga Political issue, wherein he said the parties involved in the peace talks should arrive at an “Interim Agreement”.
“The present issue needs to be viewed seriously by all sections of the Naga people because without spelling out his (Rio) hidden agenda he is talking of Interim Agreement. What does he (Rio) mean by Interim Agreement, the people need to know from him”, NPCC Chief Hokheto Sumi stated in a press communiqué.
The statement pointed out that Chief Minister Rio was talking of interim agreement without specifying what type of arrangement was being made under the interim agreement. “The NPCC questions Rio whether he has been authorized by either side of the parties involved in the peace talks or whether both the parties involved in the Peace talks are also working in line with Rio in regards to interim agreement. If not then, Rio is jeopardizing the peace process”, Sumi stated.
Reminding that some of the present DAN Ministers had denounced the 16 Point Agreement during last Parliamentary Election, 2004 but Rio was now referring to the 16 Point Agreement stating that the then political leaders were more akin in enjoying power then achieving the Naga sovereignty. “He has even questioned the credibility of those political leaders for not sorting out the Naga integration while pursuing for 16 Point Agreement”, the NPCC ridiculed. The 16 Point Agreement the NPCC maintained, was made as a stop-gap-arrangement to avoid any further loss of life and properties of the Naga people at that point of time.
Through this agreement the harassment, torture etc. faced by the Naga people was put to a halt and it gave birth to statehood, the NPCC stated.
“During the time of signing 16 Point Agreement by the then Naga leaders, Rio might have just started his student career in school. Instead of acknowledging the contributions of those leaders who paved the way for the future Nagas, he is blaming them despite occupying the chair of Chief Minister which is the fruit of 16 point agreement”, the NPCC stated.
The Congress further pointed out that at the time of signing the 16 point agreement, there was no talk of integration but through the wisdom of those leaders having the vision of the future Nagas, they had added the provision in the agreement and established the rights for integration of Naga inhabited areas.
“The Naga political issue has come a long way and present Naga leaders should try to correct rather than criticize the circumstances leading to the signing of accords/agreements. As a Naga we have to acknowledge each other’s contribution in order to maintain unity and peace in our society.
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