Oppn NPF pained at talks heading towards deadlock

NPF has expressed pain at the Naga peace process after 22 years was now apparently heading towards a deadlock with Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks and governor RN Ravi and NSCN (I-M) taking divergent stands and accusing each other through media.

At a consultative meeting with members from its Legislature Wing, Core Committee, senior leaders and frontal wing leaders at its central office here on Wednesday, the party hoped that Government of India (GoI) would not sign another “16-Point memorandum-type of  agreement” as it was signed with the “go-between” group, leaving behind the main contenders for whom the agreement was proposed. Hence, the agreement failed to bring peace and brought more divisions. The same tragedy should never be repeated as Naga people wanted real peace after an agreement was signed, the meeting stressed.

Discussing about the present political scenario in the midst of hope and fear doing the round, the meeting emphasised mutual trust between the main players as the only way to have a meaningful solution to the Naga issue. NPF also urged GoI not to serve any ultimatum to solve the Naga political issue and called for handling it with all care and seriousness. Appropriate timing for a peaceful solution should guide the ongoing peace process keeping space for concession to some extent, if found necessary, it added.

Mentioning that it was not aware of the ruling PDA’s role at this crucial stage of the Indo-Naga political issue, NPF reiterated its stand and commitment to continue to play facilitator’s role. It warned that another mistake would be very costly not only for one faction or group but for everyone involved in the process.

Reiterating that it always stood for an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue, the party said it therefore welcomed signing of the Framework Agreement between GoI and NSCM (I-M) of August 3, 2015 and the joining of the seven NNPGs in the peace process towards the later part of 2017.

This was stated in a statement by drafting committee spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon, legislators Y Vikheho Swu, YM Yollow Konyak and Moatoshi Longkumer and vice-presidents Blaise Ihielung and Shingyu Khiam.