Naga talks in Delhi to tie loose ends: Isak

October 12, 2021 62 Views No Comment

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, OCT 12 (NPN): With state chief minister Neiphiu Rio including leader of the NPF legislature party leader T.R. Zeliang in Delhi under the banner of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government comprising of the entire legislators of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA); all eyes are on Delhi where efforts to find a lasting solution to the Naga political issue is back on track.

Solution was expected by 2020 but got derailed after the NSCN (I-M) and former Interlocutor R.N. Ravi grew apart over the interpretation of the Framework Agreement (signed on August 3, 2015).

After placating the NSCN (I-M) by involving A.K. Mishra, former Intelligence Bureau special director to keep backroom channels open, the UDA has also pitched in by engaging in discussions with the NPGs and also involving Assam chief minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to add to the push for early solution.

Meanwhile, even as the new Interlocutor A.K. Misra held discussions with the UDA leaders including NPGs in Delhi, the heightened activity purportedly to end the deadlock has given rise to speculations that perhaps this time solution could be achieved within the end of the current year.

Working Committee (WC) Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) co-convener and NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Isak) general secretary Isak Sumi said formal talks with Government of India (GoI) had concluded on October 31, 2019 with then Interlocutor RN Ravi and now the attempt was to “fine tune and tie the loose ends”.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, he also said a 10-member delegation of WC, NNPGs will be leaving for New Delhi on Tuesday to hold a meeting with AK Mishra.

The delegation led by Isak also includes WC NNPGs co-conveners KiummukamYimkhium, Hozheto Z Chophy and Toshi Walling. They will be joining WC, NNPGs convener N Kitovi Zhimomi, who has been camping in Delhi for several weeks now. Isak confirmed that the delegation will join the convener and also meet Mishra.

Asked whether NNPGs would sit across the table with other Naga national groups (NPGs) to sort out differences before signing the much-awaited final settlement, Isak remarked, “early solution is inexorable. Any political groups desiring for a solution are welcome on board.”

As reported in this newspaper, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, planning & coordination, parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu and leader of NPF Legislature party leader T.R. Zeliang met with NSCN (I-M) leaders and Government of India representative and Interlocutor, AK Mishra in Delhi on Sunday in connection with the Naga political issue.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/naga-talks-in-delhi-to-tie-loose-ends-isak/242158.html