Ravi, NNPGs discuss post agreement plan

October 23, 2020 161 Views No Comment

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, OCT 22 (NPN) : Close on the heels of the recent consultative meeting convened by the state government in Kohima with various apex Naga tribes, ex-parliamentarians, church and civil society organisations on October 15 on solution to the Naga political issue, a crucial meeting was held between government of India’s Interlocutor to Naga Peace Talks and state governor R.N. Ravi with Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) .

The meeting held at the Police Complex at Chümoukedima Thursday comes against the backdrop of recent statements of the other group- NSCN (I-M)- persisting on inclusion of Naga flag and Naga constitution as part of the agreement, which the government of India has refused outright.

Sources from the Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs who were privy to the meeting, maintained that both sides deliberated on the details of the draft agreed upon by both sides before official conclusion of negotiations on October 31,2019.

Highly placed sources said the meeting discussed in detail, the “implementation plan for the agreement”.

The sources described the meeting as “very fruitful” and also reiterated that the WC, NNPGs had also expressed dismay over prolonging of the signing of agreement, keeping in view the popular sentiment of the people. WC, NNPGs reportedly told the Interlocutor that the government of India should not delay the final agreement further.

According to the sources, Interlocutor and Nagaland governor R.N.Ravi asserted that NNPGs must not only be ready for solution but also prepare for post solution implementation of the agreement.

The sources also informed Nagaland Post that both parties also agreed to prepare a “draft roadmap” to implement the agreement. It was also disclosed, that the WC,NNPGs are awaiting the green signal to sign the agreement with the Government of India when officially intimated.

The WC, NNPGs delegates were led by its convener, N Kitovi Zhimomi, co-conveners – Wangtin Naga, Zhopra Vero, Isak Sumi, Z Hozheto Chophy, Toshi Walling, Kiumukam; member working committee- Raitu Chawang and Tikhak; coordinator, Alezo Venuh and secretary, Ghukiho T Zhimo.

It may be mentioned that during their last meeting on September 10, 2020, Ravi and WC of NNPGs decided to reveal competencies (all crucial matters discussed during negotiations) to the people before inking the final agreement.

After the meeting, a highly placed source had told Nagaland Post that the negotiating parties felt it was an “appropriate time” for the competencies to be shared with the people.

WC of NNPGs and the government of India signed the Agreed Position or Preamble on November 17,2017 which forms the guiding principle for the negotiation.

Soon after signing of the Preamble, the NNPGs, in the month of December 2017, held several consultative meetings with tribal leaders, GB Federation, churches, civil society leaders and senior and high ranking government officials and legal experts including frequent interactions with political leaders including the chief minister, opposition leader and various political parties. WC had taken all relevant points for negotiations.

Some of these include– a bicameral legislature to be known as Tatar Hoho comprising of upper house or Nagaland Federal Hoho and lower house to be known as Leacy Hoho.

Number of Lok Sabha seats to be increased to four in addition to the existing one seat while three seats are proposed for Rajya Sabha in addition to the single seat presently. Others include, modification of Passport Act 1967 to incorporate a certification of identity of Nagas and exemption from Indian Passport Act; a Council of Naga Cultural and Historical Research(CNCHR) for fostering social harmony, history, art, culture etc as a common platform for Nagas.

In a document, NNPGs have said Nagas cannot be held under siege indefinitely under the pretext of negotiations that spell socio-political and socio-economic disorder. The prolonged negotiations were also leaving successive generations reeling under insecurity and fear psychosis, it said.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/ravi-nnpgs-discuss-post-agreement-plan/223588.html