Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has claimed a “breakthrough” in the ongoing negotiations to resolve the state’s decades-old insurgency problem even through the Centre has asserted it is yet to conclude the talks and will consult all stakeholders before finalising any settlement.
Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Opposition leader TR Zeliang appreciated that the negotiating parties agreeing to remain onboard for a final settlement.
Various Naga civil societies and NNPG, a conglomerate of seven organisations which is holding separate talks with the Centre, hoped that the final settlement would be achieved after thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
“It is a historic moment and an occasion of great joy for all Nagas and the nation as a whole. Peace will now pave the way for genuine progress and true nation-building,” Rio said in a tweet.
Extending deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties for the “historic breakthrough”, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah “for the political will and concern for the Naga people”.
He also congratulated the Centre’s interlocutor and Governor RN Ravi, NSCN (IM) and NNPG for their efforts and lauded the civil societies, mass based organisations, NGOs, churches and the Naga people for their support and prayers.
“We pray god almighty & look forward to a new era for the Naga people,” he said.
Patton said a “solution that respects our unique history, will bring a new and better dawn for the Naga future”.
Zeliang hoped that the dream and desire of the Naga people for permanent peace and tranquility in Nagaland would soon become a reality.
The Working Committee of NNPG also joined the bandwagon in appreciating the efforts of the union government and NSCN (IM).
In a statement it said the NNPG believes that the NSCN (IM) leadership has opted for peace and adopted a practical and realistic approach in arriving at a conclusion of negotiations by acceptance the reality the time.
A press release issued by its media cell said in the course of negotiations between NNPG and the union government, the latter had also endorsed the usage of Naga emblem/flag specifically for cultural identity within Naga homeland.
“The Naga flag is a political symbol and cannot be confined to socio-cultural activities. Therefore, together in one voice, Nagas would pursue it politically and democratically. The flag, since the dawn of Naga political consciousness, has ever been an expression of our political identity and aspirations,” it stated.
The Naga Mothers Association president Abei-ii Meru said “We were all praying for everyone to be on board.”
K Elu Ndang, general secretary of the apex body of tribal organisations in the state Naga Hoho, also hoped of a mutual understanding between the two negotiating parties. (PTI)
