Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 17
Referring to the Framework Agreement signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang today said “although the detailed modalities for final agreement have still not been made public, there is no denying that it is a huge milestone, and a big step forward towards resolution of the long pending Naga political issue.”
Zeliang in his budget speech on the Floor of the House today reiterated that the government is prepared to step aside, if necessary, to pave the way for any political settlement that is honourable and acceptable to the Nagas. He also requested all the Naga political groups to join the process of consultations being initiated by the interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks. “We hope and believe that the final settlement arrived at as result of the present dialogue will be inclusive and cover all the Nagas wherever they are,” he said. “We are committed to find and facilitate a peaceful solution to the Naga political issue, and will continue to do so till we reach the goal.”
Regarding the Parliamentary Working Committee’s meetings with various central leaders, the CM stated: “We are truly encouraged to see the positive response and assurances from various political party leaders, which has given us renewed hopes of seeing the long awaited final resolution of the Naga political issue.”
The PWC, he informed had also met the various Naga political groups, at Chumukedima on March 9 this year, and exchanged views on the Naga political issue and its peaceful resolution.
“As the parties to the dialogue continue to work out the final details of a comprehensive agreement, I appeal to all sections of the Naga society to support the peace process with a spirit of forgive and forget, so that collectively, we may be able to build a better future for ourselves and our children.”
He assured that the PWC has no intention of undermining the efforts and sacrifices of any group, and that it is equally interested to engage with any group in its collective effort for a peaceful and final solution.
