The RPP asserted that the NPGs had their “chance” to settle the Naga issue and that, at this stage, it is unrealistic to expect the GoI to reach any meaningful agreement with them. As an alternative, the RPP proposed that the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) take the lead in peace talks.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Rising People’s Party (RPP) on Sunday stated that the only tangible outcome of 28 years of peace talks has been the reduction of the Naga political issue to a mere “law and order” situation.
In a joint press statement, RPP president Joel Naga, general secretary Amai Chingkhu, and Rising Youth president Zokhoi Chuzho criticized the NDPP-led government for styling itself as a “facilitator” in the peace talks, despite neither the Government of India (GoI) nor the various Naga Political Groups (NPGs) being fully aware of its so-called facilitating efforts. The statement further noted that the ongoing stalemate and the growing number of factions—now at 28—cannot continue indefinitely.
The RPP asserted that the NPGs had their “chance” to settle the Naga issue and that, at this stage, it is unrealistic to expect the GoI to reach any meaningful agreement with them.
As an alternative, the RPP proposed that the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) take the lead in peace talks.
“The meaningless role of ‘facilitator’ should be abandoned, and the 14th NLA must undertake the serious task of negotiating with the central government for a political settlement in the state,” the RPP stated. It emphasized that the NLA, being the mandated body of the people, should naturally and logically empower itself to engage in negotiations based on the principles outlined in the ‘Framework Agreement’ and the ‘Agreed Position.’
In essence, the current negotiators should step aside and allow the NLA the opportunity to persuade the GoI. The RPP further argued that an NLA-led negotiation process would help counter accusations that the NDPP-led government is actually hindering a resolution while publicly posturing in favor of one.
“This is a pressing issue—unlike the so-called ‘opposition-less government,’ which is essentially a euphemism for money laundering,” the party remarked.
Acknowledging that its proposal may spark controversy, the RPP underscored the need for a generational shift in outlook and policymaking to achieve lasting peace.