NGBF reiterates call for early Naga solution

On behalf of all Naga civil society groups and tribal hohos of Nagaland, Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) has appealed to Naga political groups (NPGs) and Government of India (GoI) to sort out their differing positions, reconsider what could be best for the Nagas’ future and come to a logical conclusion without wasting any more time.

In a joint statement by its president Sahleem Konyak, general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and information & publicity secretary Akhu Naga, the federation also appreciated deputy national security adviser and Interlocutor for Naga peace talks RN Ravi for his crucial visit to Nagaland on February 26 and 27. 

The federation also heaped praise on him for meeting all civil society organisations and tribal hohos and sharing vividly the ongoing Naga peace process.

The visit followed the February 6 meeting of all tribal hohos and mass-based organisations under its aegis that called for early resolution of Naga political problem and resulted in a State bandh on February 11. 

While meeting representatives of various organisations, Ravi updated them about the status of the ongoing peace talks and during which he had categorically stated that, except for flag and constitution, all other relevant points had been discussed and agreed upon by the negotiating parties.   

According to NGBF, in the last 22 years, a substantial change in political equation has taken place on both sides. 

Stating that this had led to an inclusive process in the negotiations with all Naga national political groups (NNPGs), the federation said this was an indication that the composite process was ample enough for finalising the matters.

But regretting that in the last 22 years an agreement could not be reached between GoI and NNPGs, the federation likened it to clamping of a sword of uncertainty on the Nagas. Under the circumstances, it explained that the intentions and sincerity of the parties engaged in the negotiations come under a cloud of doubt, besides leading to fear and insecurity among the Nagas. 

If four governments at the Centre could not find a solution, the fifth also could be expected to linger on one or the other matter. And Nagas would be forced to believe that peace talks were counterproductive and held with the intention of something different by parties on both sides of the table, the statement added.