Solution has to be a win-win situation: NSA

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Sunday categorically stated that the solution to the Naga political problem has to be a win-win situation for all in order to create a congenial atmosphere for acceptance of the agreement between Government of India and the Naga National groups.

Once the right atmosphere is created everyone can move ahead on the path of development and leave the history of clashes and violence behind, he added.

Doval said this to the DAN delegation led by chief minister, T.R. Zeliang and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio during the meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, a press note from the CMO media cell stated. 

The DAN delegation comprising of chief minister, Lok Sabha MP, 11 cabinet ministers and four Advisors are currently camping in New Delhi and meeting various stakeholders to try and impress upon the Centre to resolve the Naga issue before Christmas.

While appreciating the initiative of chief minister and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution, Doval hoped that settlement of the Naga political issue would be done soon.  Everyone wishes for an early solution and it is important to look at what one can do towards achieving that objective, Doval said. 

Responding to the appeal made by the DAN delegation, for solution before Christmas and also before the State Assembly Elections scheduled for 2018, Doval had asked the delegation to make suggestions as to what all could the Government of India do for a solution before Christmas. He added that the advice of the State government would be fully considered by the Government of India. 

“Once the agreement is reached, it would be essential for all concerned to build the right socio political environment to make all stakeholders join hand for successful implementation of the agreement,” Doval said. In response, the chief minister assured that Nagaland government would do everything possible for facilitating the solution. 

Zeliang also appreciated the leadership and vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for the significant progress made in the negotiations for the final settlement to the Naga political issue. 

The chief minister also termed the Naga imbroglio as “mother of all unresolved challenges” in the Northeast, and said it was imperative to resolve it to ensure a long-lasting peace in the region. “Given the progress made and especially with the involvement of the six NNPG groups along with NSCN (I-M) in the talks, this is the most opportune time for solution,” Zeliang said.

With BJP governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, the delegation said this was also the right time for a final settlement to the Naga issue. 

The delegation also apprised Doval of the meetings with the NNPGs leaders and Central government representatives. During the meeting, minister, Imkong L. Imchen suggested that the Assembly polls could be deferred in the interest of a lasting solution. 

On November 4, the delegation also held a meeting with Union Minister of State for DoNER and PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh at Nagaland House, wherein secretary to Prime Minister, Bhaskar Khulbe was also present. 

During the meeting, chief minister, T.R. Zeliang urged upon the Centre to expedite the peace the process. Pointing out that it had been 20 years of negotiations, he said it was important that the settlement is reached before the elections.

Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio also reiterated that it would be in the interest of all if the settlement was done before Christmas. 

The delegation also apprised Singh of their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Centre’s Interlocutor for Naga peace talks RN Ravi. Dr. Singh appreciated the initiative of the delegation for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped the settlement was arrived at soon.

Later, in the evening, the delegation held a meeting with leaders of the Working Group for the six NNPGs at the Nagaland House. Working Group convener N Kitovi Zhimomi, co-conveners Zhopra Vero, Hozheto Chophy, V. Nagi, Kiumukam and Wangtin Naga and envoy Alezo Venuh were present at the meeting. 

Zeliang appreciated the initiative of involving the six NNPGs in the talks as it was essential for an inclusive and durable solution to the vexed Naga issue. 

He complimented the NNPGs leaders for their vision and maturity in joining the talks and hoped the final settlement would be arrived at soon. The delegation also apprised the NNPGs leaders of their interactions with Central government representatives. On its part, the Working Group appreciated the efforts made by the chief minister and his colleagues in ensuring that the Centre involves the six NNPGs in the talks to ensure a final settlement that was inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all for long standing peace in the State.