Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio chaired the first Parliamentary Core Committee meeting on Naga Political issue. The meeting adopted a five-point resolution and persuade the negotiating groups to come together and hammer out their differences.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Special Correspondent
In order to discuss matters relating to the protracted Naga political issue and play the role of facilitator in the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and the Naga political groups, the first meeting of the Parliamentary Core Committee (PCC) on Naga Political issue was held on Friday at Rhododendron Hall, Chumoukedima, Dimapur.
Headed by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the crucial meeting termed “historic” and attended by the leader of the opposition TR Zeliang, and top ruling and opposition leaders ended with the committee adopting a five-point resolution.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Rio said that he was happy with the outcome of the meeting which he termed as “positive.” He said that every member of the core committee had come together for the Naga issue and added that hopes are high for an early solution to bring in “permanent peace.”
Besides, Rio informed that his government is also in talks with the Centre to discuss the “way forward” for bringing the NSCN (K) Yung Aung faction to the negotiating table.
“I am happy with the outcome of our meeting. Every member has spoken and we have come together for Naga issue and with this, we hope and dream that we find solution and peace in Nagaland,” Rio added.
Leader of the opposition, TR Zeliang, while expressing his happiness on the discussions disclosed that the meeting had decided to persuade the negotiating groups to come together and hammer out their differences.
He insisted the negotiating groups to make a common approach. On being queried about NSCN (K) Yung Aung faction joining the peace process, Zeliang maintained that the ruling PDA government and the opposition would make collective efforts to bring the group on board.
“We are happy that we had a free and frank discussions and outcome of the meeting was that we had to insist on Naga political negotiating groups to come together and hammer out their differences and make common ground and so, with the common approach, we should talk to the Government of India so that differences would not be there among them,” Zeliang said.
It may be noted that the Parliamentary Core Committee is headed by Neiphiu Rio as Convenor, Co-Convenors – Deputy Chief Minister & Leader of Opposition, Member Secretary – Neiba Kronu, Minister.
Members of the Core Committee:
NDPP: G Kaito Aye, Minister, Agriculture & Cooperation; Metsubo Jamir, Minister, Rural Development; H Chuba Chang, MLA. BJP; P Paiwang Konyak, Minister, TPT, Land Resources Dev; Jacob Zhimomi, Minister, PHE; Mmhonlumo Kikon, Advisor, I &T, S&T, NRE; Longrineken, Advisor, TA, NH & H. Haying, Advisor, Prisons & PS. NPF: Imkong L Imchen, MLA; Yitachu, MLA; YM Yollow Konyak, MLA; Chotisuh Sazo, MLA & Chumben Murry, MLA. Independent: Tongpang Ozukum, Minister, Housing and Mechanical.
Meanwhile, the five-point resolution adopted in the meeting included:
1. The Core Committee appeals to the negotiating Parties of the Indo-Naga Political dialogue to resume the Peace Talks with a positive approach of mutual respect for each other by setting aside pre-conditions in the greater interest of the people’s cry for long term peace and in order to move forward under a positive environment that is conducive to finding a political solution at the earliest time possible.
2. The Core Committee appeals to all Naga Political Groups to make serious efforts towards unity and reconciliation. The constant antagonism against each other, especially in public space and the media is sending out a wrong message to the masses considering the fact that we are all pursuing the same aspiration of peace and political solution.
Taking the positive example set by the elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who have risen above Party affiliations to unite for the Naga Political Issue, the Naga Political Groups should make concerted efforts and listen to the voice of the people for unity and oneness.
3. The Core Committee while appreciating the constant role and contributions of the Churches, civil societies and NGOs towards facilitating peace and strengthening the peace process, appeals to the civil societies, mass-based Organizations and Tribal Hohos to make renewed efforts towards creating a
conducive atmosphere for early realization of a political solution by pursuing unity, reconciliation, and oneness.
4. All Members of the Core Committee and the Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue, including the two Members of Parliament, have come together under the same banner in line with the election manifestos of all Political Parties and commit to the people that the elected members are prepared to pave the way as and when an inclusive, honorable and acceptable solution is arrived at.
5. The Core Committee on behalf of the Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue appeals to Naga negotiating groups to come together in order to hammer out their differences and create a common approach for One Solution and One Agreement.