Kohima: The Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga peace talks, AK Mishra, held closed-door meetings with different Naga National Political Groups on Wednesday in Nagaland‘s Chümoukedima.
Mishra arrived in Chümoukedima on June 10 to resume critical discussions with various groups for an early solution to the Naga Political Issue.
He also called on NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah at Camp Hebron, officials said.
Isak Sumi, working convener of the Working Committee of the NNPGs (WC-NNPGs), said the current efforts are focused on formulating the final plan for a comprehensive and inclusive solution to the Naga issue that includes all stakeholders, Naga political groups, civil society organisations, tribal leaders, and religious institutions.
“For too long, the Naga people have been kept in suspense. Disappointment and disillusionment have crept in due to the delay,” Sumi said, admitting past failures by political groups to act in unity.
He offered a sincere apology for “imposing the interest of particular groups over the Naga people’s interest”.
Sumi said it was not about who signed which agreement anymore, it was about arriving at one common, inclusive solution.
The discussions touched on the contentious issue of the ‘Agreed Position’ signed by the NNPGs and the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed by the NSCN-IM.
WC member P Tikhat clarified, “We did not come here to claim ownership of the Agreed Position. We came here as Naga leaders to push for a solution.”
NSCN president Wangtin Naga said, “There may be two agreements signed by different groups, but both serve one purpose. In time, they will converge into one solution.”
While internal differences within the WC-NNPGs remain, leaders stressed that these should not impede the larger peace process.
WC-NNPG leader C Singson noted, “The Government of India is not interested in internal differences it wants a solution that is honourable and acceptable. We must now show unity to the world.”
He also pointed out that delays are not solely the Centre’s fault, but also stem from internal disunity among Naga political groups. “It’s time for forgiveness, for acceptance. The Naga issue belongs to the people, not to any one group,” Singson remarked.
Ghukiho T Zhimomi, secretary of the Kitovi-led group, described their meeting as “very interesting,” with the sole objective of finding an “early, honourable solution to the Naga problem.”
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The Centre signed a ceasefire with NSCN-IM in 1997, leading to several rounds of talks and the eventual Framework Agreement in August 2015. However, the NSCN-IM’s persistent demands for a separate Naga flag and constitution, along with the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, have stalled a final solution.
