Centre to hold talks with primary stakeholders of Naga society over final settlement

NEW DELHI: Stating that Naga rebel outfit NSCN(IM) was dragging its feet over signing the final settlement on the

Naga issue

despite all political parameters having been mutually agreed between the government on one hand and NSCN(IM) leadership and seven other

armed Naga groups

on the other, the Centre on Friday said it was now holding talks with all primary stakeholders of Naga society who are willing to "finalise the settlement without further delay".


The office of the Naga interlocutor for peace talks RN Ravi, in a press statement on Friday, said that even though a mutually agreed draft comprehensive settlement, including all the substantive issues and competencies, was ready for inking the final agreement, the NSCN (I-M) had adopted a procrastinating attitude by raising the contentious and symbolic issues of separate Naga national flag and constitution. Stating that NSCN(IM) was fully aware of the Government of India's position in this regard, the statement alleged that the outfit had mischievously dragged in the framewoek agreement and "began imputing imaginary contents to it".

"Some NSCN (I-M) leaders through various media platforms are misleading the people with absurd assumptions and presumptions over what they have already agreed with the Government of India. In view of such unfortunate attitude...Government of India's representative and interlocutor for Naga peace talks R N Ravi held a detailed consultation with the primary stakeholders of the Naga society on October 18 2019 at the Conference Hall of Hotel Japfü, Kohima-Nagaland. The meeting was attended by the apex leadership of all the 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland, all the minority non-Naga tribes of Nagaland, the

Nagaland

GB Federation, the Nagaland Tribes Council, the Church leaders and civil society organisations. The framework agreement with the (NSCN IM) and the agreed position with the Working Committee of NNPGs were extensively shared with the leaders, pertinent issues discussed and doubts on competencies clarified," said the office of the interlocutor.

Political maturity and wisdom of the Naga leaders who expressed their overwhelming support in favour of a settlement without any further delay is deeply appreciated, it added.

In line with the Naga people's wishes, the representative said the Government of India is determined to conclude the peace process without delay. "Endless negotiation under the shadow of guns is not acceptable. Government of India expects all negotiating parties to heed the will of the people, and facilitate conclusion of the Naga peace process Peace within the stipulated time," it was stated.

Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the government has been trying to honourably conclude the Naga peace process that has been going on for the last over 22 years. As a result the process in the last five years has become truly inclusive and reached the conclusion stage, said the interlocutor's office.

"All Naga armed groups are engaged with the interlocutor and have worked out the draft final settlement. Primary stakeholders - tribal and civil society organisations from Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam were involved in the peace process and made valuable contributions through regular consultations and insightful inputs. The Church leaders with their constant prayers and goodwill have immensely contributed to the cause of enduring peace," said the interlocutor.

Agreements on political parameters of the Naga settlement were signed with NSCN (I-M) on August 3, 2015 and with seven Naga armed groups under the banner of Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on November 17, 2017.

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