Higher Education and Tourism minister Temjen Imna Along has clarified that the Political Affairs Committee’s (PAC) recent demand for new interlocutor did not mean that the incumbent was not performing well, but only held that a stronger platform was required to carry forward the Naga peace process.
“The PAC has asked for a strong leader to be an interlocutor so as to provide a stronger platform for early resolution of the Naga Political Issue,” Imna Along said while interacting with the media on the sideline of the launch of Hyundai’s new vehicle Alcazar at Vuto Hyundai here on Monday.
He, therefore, said that there should not be any kind of resentment even before the Centre has responded. Along dismissed the contention that the state government was deliberately trying to sabotage the peace talks.
Along further stated that as a facilitator, the 60-member legislative Assembly led by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio and all party members irrespective of their affiliations had come forward and decided what was the best way to go forward. “We have to come to a common ground and talk to Delhi,” he stated.
Following the PAC’s resolution, the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) alleged that the resolution demanding appointment of a new interlocutor was deliberate and pre-planned, aimed at undermining and delaying the political solution.
Addressing concerns raised by Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) regarding their reminder to the government to give its comments on the draft proposal for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), Along stated that the government was carefully considering the matter.
He acknowledged that it is the ENPO’s right to seek the draft proposal but emphasized that the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union and ENPO representatives must have a “primary sitting” and discuss the feasible aspects of the proposal. Along explained that the legislators (ENLU) were the representatives of the Eastern Nagaland people and can effectively convey their sentiments.
He further assured that the draft proposal is likely to be addressed soon, highlighting the willingness of ENPO to engage in constructive dialogue, as demonstrated by their recent outreach to the chief minister and the state cabinet.
Along went on to state that the government has always been inclusive in its approach, particularly regarding issues concerning, keeping in mind that the social and traditional fabric of Nagaland does not get diluted by any other agenda.