27 years and counting

The consultative meeting held in Kohima on Thursday brought renewed attention to the pressing need for the final step towards resolution of the Naga political issue. The participants, representing various stakeholders, collectively appealed to the Government of India to elevate the ongoing negotiations by appointing a high-level interlocutor. They recommended this role be assigned to a figure at the ministerial or political level-someone who holds both the authority and the confidence of the government. This suggestion underscores a growing consensus that the current handling of the peace process requires a stronger, more empowered leadership to navigate the complexities of the Naga political issue. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, representing the PDA-led oppositionless government, in his media briefing emphasized that appointing a senior interlocutor could significantly accelerate the peace process. He argued that, after years of inconclusive negotiations, this move would inject much-needed momentum and create a more effective dialogue between the Government of India and the Naga political groups. The meeting strongly believed that the appointment of a high-level mediator could pave the way for a more streamlined and efficient resolution to the long-standing conflict. A central theme of the discussion was the need for unity among the various Naga factions. Kenye urged all Naga groups to put aside their differences and avoid further splintering, which has historically hindered the peace process. The formation of new groups and the continuation of factionalism were deemed obstacles to lasting peace. Instead, the meeting called for a unified approach, emphasizing that all stakeholders must foster a spirit of cooperation and collective understanding if they hope to achieve a sustainable solution. Another key issue raised during the meeting was the enforcement of the Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR). Kenye expressed concern over the growing number of recognized Naga factions, warning that this proliferation threatens long-term peace and stability. To address this, the meeting urged the Government of India to streamline the number of factions involved in the peace talks, reducing the fragmentation that has plagued previous efforts. The goal is to establish a more cohesive and unified dialogue, which would enable a clearer path toward resolution. Kenye also advised the Naga political groups to focus on practical and achievable goals during negotiations with the central government. Unrealistic demands, he cautioned, have already impeded progress and will continue to do so if left unchecked. While certain aspirations are important, he suggested that some should be left for future generations to pursue. Pragmatism, he argued, is key to ensuring that the negotiations move forward. In addition, Kenye raised concerns about the parallel negotiations being conducted with the NSCN (I-M) and the NNPGs. While both groups have signed agreements with the Government of India in 2015 and 2017, their divergent positions have yet to yield tangible results. Kenye called for the Naga groups to unify their efforts by creating a single, cohesive document to present to the government, thus preventing further delays and unnecessary maneuvering. While elevating the status of the interlocutor is a reason the sounds good but it is debatable whether such a step will actually help hasten solution or prove instead to be a reason that only sounds good. Naga public have had enough of rhetoric which have done little but helped justify unkept promises and alibis and what is needed is realistic expectation, a more honest and committed approach to the achieving lasting solution.