Asserts support to solution of Naga issue even before elections
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 22: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to all sections of Naga society and the negotiating parties of Naga political talks to rise above all differences for the common good.
“The Indo-Naga political imbroglio has been at the core of Naga society for several decades and remains central in our concerns even today.
“For this House too, it is at the top of our agenda and in the course of the past four years, the Members of this House have undertaken discussions and deliberations on several occasions within the floor of this House and outside the House”, he said.
Rio sounded the appeal of the House to all sections of Naga society and to the negotiating parties of the political dialogue to rise above all differences, so that they work in unison for the common good of all Nagas.
The Chief Minister was participating in the special discussion on matter of urgent public importance on the Naga Political Issue (NPI) in the floor of the House, initiated by MLA KT Sukhalu, on Thursday.
He urged all to unite as one Naga family and also to put their best possible efforts towards achieving a solution that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable and thereby begin a new era of peace, progress and development, wherein Nagas increase contributions towards the forward march of this great nation.
“My Government has given utmost importance to the NPI and we have made every possible effort to play the role of active facilitator in order to create an atmosphere that is conducive to realisation of an early solution to the protracted Naga political issue”, he said.
The present State Government has formed an opposition-less United Democratic Front (UDA) Government with “the singular motive to facilitate the peace process so that we realise the aspiration of achieving genuine peace though a negotiated political solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive”, he said.
He also highlighted the initiatives of the Parliamentary Committee on NPI of the Government and its Core Committee formed on June 10, 2021 comprising of representatives from all political parties represented in the NLA.
“All 60 Members of this House rose above our affiliations by setting aside all our differences and we all came under one platform to extend positive support to the political negotiations”, he said.
Rio appreciated the signing of Framework Agreement with NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015 and Agreed Position with Working Committee of 7 Naga National Political Groups and to the GoI for exhibiting sincere commitment in the collective efforts to resolve the decades old political imbroglio.
Rio also said “It is a matter of great satisfaction that on September 14 the national political groups signed the ‘September Joint Accordant’ under the initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
“This is a significant step in the right direction”, he said while conveying the appreciation of the House to the signatories of the Joint Accordant and also to its facilitator – Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
“Such a spirit of understanding and a willingness to live together in peace is definitely the way forward”, he said and expressed confidence that with such oneness, Nagas will be able to reach the desired goal sooner than later.
Reiterating that the State Government is not a direct party to the negotiations but only playing our role as facilitators, Rio however said “our sincerity towards the commitments which we have made in our respective manifestoes still stands”.
Meanwhile, the CM placed on record his appreciation to the legislators for the ‘extraordinary unity’ that was displayed by coming together in common solidarity. He also extended the appreciation of the House to all the stakeholders, leaders and representatives of civil society and tribal hohos and all organisations and individuals who participated in the consultative meetings and collectively supported our common endeavour of pursuing permanent peace.
He said the Assembly is grateful to the Government of India for acknowledging the unique history of the Nagas and for recognising the Naga issue as a political issue.
Rio also extended the appreciation and acknowledgement of the NLA for the sacrifices and contributions of the Naga national workers in the course of the Naga political journey and towards the Naga political aspiration for permanent peace.
Earlier initiating the discussion, ruling NDPP Advisor KT Sukhalu lamented that the efforts of all the Members of the 13th NLA to bring about an early settlement of the protracted NPI is being misinterpreted by few individuals and groups suggesting that the State Government is not doing enough to bring about an early settlement.
“Nagas are at the crucial stage of discussions between the negotiating parties and it is imperative that Nagas stand united at this point”, he said.
Affirming that the Naga Political Issue is paramount and cannot be compromised, Sukhalu opined that “Nagas need to be careful with their statements and utterances and have a united voice for an early settlement of the protracted issue”.
(Page News Service)
