Ravi, WC/NNPGs to share details of talks

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, SEP 10 (NPN): In a major political development, Government of India’s Representative and Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, R.N. Ravi and the Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) have decided to reveal competencies(all crucial matters discussed during negotiations), to the people before inking the final agreement.

As reported by Nagaland Post, an 11-member delegation of the WC, NNPGs led by its convener, N. Kitovi Zhimomi and comprising of co-conveners and members held a formal meeting with Interlocutor R.N. Ravi at the Police Complex Chümoukedima Thursday.

A highly placed source, privy to the closed-door meeting, told Nagaland Post, that the negotiating parties felt that it was an “appropriate time” for the competencies to be shared with the people.

“Now that the process is at its final stage, the two negotiating parties feel that it is imperative that the competencies are shared with the people since they are the primary stakeholders of the Naga issue,” said the source.

Further, the source said that it was also a fact that NNPGs have been transparent with the people over whatever has been discussed. “NNPGs have been sensible and responsive to the people’s wishes and concerns and brought those wishes and concerns to the negotiating table,” said the source.

In the spirit of inclusiveness, the source said “earnest endeavour” should be made to ensure that, as far as possible, no stakeholders were left out of the final agreement.

Another reliable source pointed out that in the spirit of inclusiveness and transparency, the NNPGs have distributed “copies of competencies” to all who wanted to learn about the ongoing process and who had were concerned over the issue.

The source said copies of what had been discussed were handed over to elected members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (both ruling and opposition parties), ex-parliamentarians, members of 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland, Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF), other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), intellectuals and individuals.

“NNPGs believe in maintaining transparency.

The demands put forward to Government of India are not the demand of the NNPGs but of the people. People are welcome to share their opinions and suggestions,” said the source.

Further, the source reiterated that if any confusion or suggestions remain, with regard to the proposed agreement and competencies, then people can approach NNPGs for clarification and suggestions.

It was also learnt that at the meeting, the Interlocutor emphasised on the spirit of inclusiveness of the Peace Process.

Ravi was also learnt to have advised the NNPGs to be in sync with the people and to ensure that the unity of the Naga people was maintained.

Other members of WC, NNPGs included co-convenors – Zhopra Vero, Kiumukam Yimchunger, Hozheto Z Chophy, Isak Sumi, Toshi Walling and Wangtin Naga; co-ordinator, Alezo Venuh; members – C Singson, Raitu Chawang and secretary, Ghukiho T Zhimo.

Thursday’s meeting between the government of India represented by its Interlocutor R.N.Ravi and the Working Committee of the seven-member NNPGs assumes significance in the light of speculations that a final agreement is expected within September this year.

The 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-wc-nnpgs-to-share-details-of-talks/221687.html