Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi with the delegation from the WC, NNPGs led by Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi on February 22. (Photo Courtesy: Media Cell WC, NNPGs)
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 22 (MExN): The WC, NNPGs led by its Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi met the Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi on February 20 and held discussions on the progress of the Naga political issue.
A press release from the media cell of the WC, NNPGs informed that the Governor, who is also Interlocutor for the Indo-Naga peace talks, “made several clarifications on pressing matters on the Indo-Naga political settlement.”
“Both sides agreed that there are Naga elements at work to prolong and sabotage the signing of Indo-Naga agreement.
Over the last few months various groups and organisations have spammed media outlets with propaganda and fake news in an effort to stay relevant and confuse, mislead Naga tribes and civil societies,” it stated.
The WC said that the “political, economic and social turmoil in recent times” have slowed down the progress on all spheres. “The Naga question too has lost precious time, nevertheless, WC, NNPGs believes that the settlement bound Naga tribes and civil societies must stay focused on the objective,” it added.
It informed that the Government of India is formulating the Indo-Naga political solution based on a relationship that is honourable and enduring peaceful co-existence.
“The November 17, 2017 ‘Agreed Position’ signed between GoI and WC, NNPGs and subsequent negotiated status paper is there for all… to study. There is no ambiguity. Post-settlement, there is sufficient historical and political space and scope to reflect Naga characteristics in Naga areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam through political and administrative measures even as integration of Nagas remains a democratic aspiration,” the WC said.
It further refuted that the WC is only pursuing solution for Nagas of Nagaland.
“The reasoning of 14 tribes of Nagaland, NTC, NGBF, ENPO, CNTC and minority communities and the rest of the Naga populace, including Nagas in other states and in Myanmar is not for anyone to question. Nagas are prepared for inclusive, acceptable and honourable political solution,” it said.
The WC stated that the Government of India has reaffirmed its position on the Naga issue.
“There will be an inclusive solution. Naga integration and other unresolved matters would be pursued through democratic political process,” it affirmed. The WC further stated that it has “negotiated much to secure and safeguard the political, historical and administrative interest of Naga people and land in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.” This remains an integral part of impending GoI-WC, NNPGs Agreement, it asserted.
Meanwhile commenting on the Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s proclamation that the NSCN/GPRN lead by General Niki Sumi “had surrendered to the Indian army,” the WC said there is “confusion” regarding this issue.
“Prior to this, in November 2020, the Convener, WC, NNPGs had sent an official letter to General Niki Sumi to partner WC in the peace process. The invitation was politely declined. Much water has flowed down the river since. The Naga people deserve to know the truth with regard to the status of General Niki Sumi and his group,” the WC stated.
The clarification of the Government of India through the interlocutor on this matter is important, it stated, while pointing out that the “Government of India has made it crystal clear that the political negotiations with all entities had concluded as on October 31, 2019.”
“The Interlocutor confirmed the official position of the Government of India in saying that General Niki Sumi surrendered, currently numbering about hundred and twenty workers. It is therefore appropriate that if there has been an act of surrender as was declared by Indian Army Chief… the surrendered officers and men may honourably leave the political matters to Naga National leaders and workers sacrificing much to bring home honourable and acceptable solution through political negotiations,” it added.
It further appealed to the NSCN/GPRN led by General Niki Sumi to “refrain from encouraging and recruiting innocent people.” “Nagas need clear understanding of the situation at hand as vulnerable and selfish members may create social problem resulting in additional burden on the people,” it stated.
