Memo to PM seeks Group of Naga Interlocutors to mediate for early conclusion of peace talks

The Prime Minister of India

7, Lok Kalyan Marg

New Delhi

Subject: Memorandum to appoint a Group of Naga Interlocutors to mediate for early conclusion of the peace talks and to help avoid the risk of negotiations breaking down

Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

We, the undersigned members of the The Naga Rising, would like to extend our utmost respect to the popular mandate received by you as Prime Minister and also the convincing victory of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) under the able and dynamic leadership of Amit Shah, Union Home Minister.

Please consider this memorandum seeking your urgent attention for appointment of a Group of Naga Interlocutors to mediate for early conclusion of the Indo-Naga peace talks and to help avoid the risk of negotiations breaking down.

As an ideological body of emerging voices, reflecting the aspirations of the future generation, and representing cross sections of society, The Naga Rising seeks to approach problems in its totality – the Naga political issue included – through a broad based inclusive framework.

Respected Prime Minister, the opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue has never been this favourable for both India and the Nagas.

You had said during the signing of the historic Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, “the Naga political issue had lingered for six decades, taking a huge toll on generations of our people”.

The manner in which you have so far handled the Naga issue has been an exercise of leadership that is committed to the peaceful resolution of this old problem.

Modiji, the Naga people continue to repose their faith in you as Prime Minister and we believe that your government will bring to an early conclusion the much expected solution to the Indo-Naga political issue without delay.

The appointment of the Government of India’s Interlocutor, RN Ravi as the new Governor of Nagaland, is we believe, a demonstration of the sincerity of our Honourable Prime Minister and your continued focus and priority to resolve the Naga issue.

This memorandum further takes note that, with the appointment of RN Ravi in his dual role as Interlocutor and Governor, the peace process has now come closer to the Naga people.

The signatories would therefore like to thank the Government of India for this timely and judicious step as we believe this will help ‘bridge’ existing ‘divides’ and ‘build’ ‘confidence’ within the community for the success of the proposed negotiated political solution.

Concrete steps with new modalities required

Given the complex nature of the Naga peace process, whose outcome will have a bearing on the contours of peace in the North East region, and also the reality of corresponding talks taking place with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim since 1997 and with the Working Committee of the 7 NNPGs from November 2017 onwards, some kind of modality to consult, converge and conclude the peace talks has to be found.

As such the recent declaration of the Governor of Nagaland and also the Interlocutor RN Ravi in public that the Honourable Prime Minister wishes to conclude the peace talks within 3 months is very encouraging.

The seriousness of Prime Minister Modi to conclude the talks within a timeframe is in tune with popular support of Naga masses to see an end to the present negotiations spanning two decades.

While whole-heartedly welcoming the recent pronouncement of the interlocutor, there’s but a certain air of apprehension given the trust deficit and points related to technicalities of the discussion between the GoI and one of the negotiating groups.

Under the circumstances, the next logical and immediate step of unveiling the broad contours of the proposed agreement and convergence of the Naga political groups before an agreement is signed is not happening.

A Way forward: Appointing a Group of Naga Interlocutors

A humble suggestion that the signatories put forward, for removing the roadblock as stated, is for the Government of India to immediately appoint a Group of Naga Interlocutors to mediate for early conclusion of the peace talks and to help avoid the risk of negotiations breaking down.

This memorandum believes that appointing a Group of Naga Interlocutors will help facilitate a sustained dialogue – even beyond the solution – among a larger pool of stakeholders in a climate of transparency and mutual trust, which in turn will help in the successful outcome of the Indo-Naga peace process.

• This Group of Naga Interlocutors will be selected on the basis of their wide acceptability and their ability to unify the Naga socio-political divide.

• The Group of Naga Interlocutors will work alongside RN Ravi, the Government of India’s Interlocutor.

• The Group of Naga Interlocutors will not negotiate but help mediate with the Naga Political Groups on the one hand and also work with the larger Naga civil society in facilitating the way forward.

• The Group of Naga Interlocutors will have the placating effect in offsetting any negative connotations related to the peace talk. The perception of a Naga Settlement which is acceptable and honourable will find its larger audience with the constitution of the Group of Naga Interlocutors.

• If and when required the Group of Naga Interlocutors will also hold sustained people-to-people dialogue with neighbours in order to promote peace and understanding in the region.

Conclusion

It will be a bold and visionary step on the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint such a Group of Naga Interlocutors. It is strongly suggested that this initiative must come from the Prime Minister.

Decisive and transformative in your approach, this memorandum believes that the idea we have presented to you for consideration will find favour of your government.

Respectfully,

The Naga Rising

1. Along Longkumer
2. Vitho Zao
3. Hukavi T. Yeputhomi
4. Amai Chingkhu
5. Tsukti Longkumer
6. Moie Bonny Konyak
7. Ngukato K. Tsuipu
8. Mar Longkumer
9. Joel Naga
10. Khriezodilhou Yhome

About The Naga Rising

The Naga Rising is a group formed by like-minded people from different walks of life and experiences.

It consists of emerging voices, reflecting the concerns of the present and looking to the aspirations of future generations.

We seek to work as a broad-based alliance representing cross sections of Naga society.

We believe that the modern day challenges confronting the Naga people, including the Naga political issue can only be solved through a broad-based, inclusive framework.

The Naga Rising has taken upon itself this responsibility of coming together in order to give a fresh narrative to our people and their problems.

While at present, its core team is confined to present Nagaland State, the belief of The Naga Rising is this:

“That as we engage with the world around us, the complexity and also sometimes chaos, we commit to do so with a sense of solidarity and participation of all Nagas irrespective of our geography…and that we also mediate for all our people everywhere.”

We appeal to our leaders in government and public life, the political parties, our elders leading the tribal hohos and civil society, the mothers, students and churches, opinion makers and leaders in social media, to give us a chance and to support and guide us in our endeavors.

Membership to The Naga Rising is open to any Naga person irrespective of age, gender, occupation or place. More details will be shared later. For any communication or queries, email us at: thenagarising@yahoo.com