Asserting that Naga people were eagerly awaiting conclusion of “Indo-Naga” political talks, the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) has asserted that proposed delimitation exercise would not be a rational step at this juncture.
In a representation addressed to the Governor of Nagaland and Government of India representative and Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi, the NGBF president Shahlem Konyak, general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and media secretary Akhu Naga said that the proposed delimitation exercise would pose “a serious question on the sincerity and commitment of the Government of India and your good office in particular.”
Asserting COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the “Indo-Naga” negotiations, which was on the verge of being concluded, the federation expressed belief that government and Naga political groups must restart the political talks and find a logical conclusion at the earliest.
Further, NGBF expressed astonishment that the Government of India announced delimitation Committee members including the lone Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland. It said Naga people would “naturally feel betrayed” because the hope for an enduring peaceful coexistence, as agreed upon in the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 with NSCN (I-M) and in the Preamble or Agreed Position signed between government and NNPGs on November 17, 2017, raised the bar of expectation.
Maintaining that delimitation or similar democratic exercise would take place in Nagaland and other Naga areas without altering the state boundaries post-solution, the federation has, therefore, asserted that delimitation exercise should not be applied to Nagaland. NGBF added that such move would “eat away at the pillars of trust, understanding and commitment between government of India and Nagas that you worked so hard to restore.”
NGBF also stated that if it was a deliberate policy by government of India, then the federation would exercise its right and explore, reassess its position and convey to Naga negotiators.
It reiterated that all issues broadly agreed, in principle, concerning Nagas’ historical, political, social, cultural and economic matters, be finalized in the form of final draft for final Agreement.