While the intentions of the core committee on Naga political issue seems to be clear on certain possibilities of an imminent solution, the NNPGs have stated that the Naga political issue be best left to the Government of India and the Naga negotiators to find an honourable and acceptable political solution
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
March 7 meeting of the Nagaland’s ‘Core Committee on Naga Political Issue’ held at the Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chumoukedima with the seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has drawn mixed reactions driven by confusion on whether or not the Government of India is truly committed to bringing a final solution to the protracted Naga Political Issue.
Having met representatives of the seven NNPGs to discuss the Naga political issue in a closed door meeting which according to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman, TR Zeliang said it was the second sitting to discuss the Naga issue.
When contacted, a source informed that the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with his deputy chief minister and also in-charge of home Y Patton, are already in the National Capital, Delhi, “lobbying” for the confirmation of a solution to the Naga political issue which had been tagged as the “highest offer” from the government of India.
The source also disclosed that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman TR Zeliang has asked the Naga peace interlocutor AK Mishra to ascertain the Centre’s position on the issue for which the latter is yet to respond.
It was also informed that the Nagaland leaders during a meeting with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah discussed the issue with the negotiating groups and the people.
TR Zeliang has in December last when he met the peace interlocutor, Mishra, told him clearly that the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and himself had pointed out on what would be the “highest level of offer” from the government of India.
That consultation with both the prime minister and the union home minister have to be taken into consideration for their opinion on the issue. Thereafter, Zeliang would go to both the negotiating groups, said the source. Eventually, the elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) along with the “voice” of the public would take a decision on the “clear cut offer” for the negotiation that has dragged on since the last 25 years.
It is understood that the state backed core committee is looking forward to hear the “last word” from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that would exhibit his commitment towards the Naga Political Issue.
While the intentions of the core committee on Naga political issue seems to be clear on certain possibilities of an imminent solution, the NNPGs have stated that the Naga political issue be best left to the Government of India and the Naga negotiators to find an honourable and acceptable political solution at the earliest. This has indicated that the state government is not part of the negotiation between the Government of India and the Naga groups.