PM Modi wanted to conclude talks within 3 months: RN Ravi

August 16, 2019 1319 Views No Comment

Source: NEPS & DIPR

Governor of Nagaland and Interlocutor for the Naga political talks, RN Ravi said before his appointment as Governor of Nagaland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the desire to conclude the Naga peace process within a three-month time. He said this at the grand civic reception organized in his honor as the 19th Governor of Nagaland at the NBCC Convention Center, Kohima on Friday.

Ravi, however, stated that the three-month time was long enough because they had been talking and negotiating for the last 22 years. “In the last five years we have taken spontaneous steps by including all the stakeholders, both sides trying their best, and there is no reason why we cannot conclude it,” he said.

The Governor also informed that their every attempt to resolve the Naga political issue was sincere but the inclusivity was missing. He said the solution should be inclusive and all the Naga armed groups, Naga tribal bodies, Naga civil societies, grassroots leaders, Naga intellectuals, senior citizens, elders, and Naga legislators should be taken on board in finding a settlement to the Naga issue.

Ravi said in the last five years, they had resolved all the substantive issues including powers that “belong to the Naga people and they are the masters.” On a few symbolic issues, options were offered and interlocutors were urged to explore, he said and further added that he had been working out for the best, the most honorable and dignified solution.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio in his speech thanked the mass based civil societies for attending the civic reception in honour of the Governor of Nagaland, which he said was a sign of love and respect for the new Governor.

He described the new Governor, R.N. Ravi as no stranger to the Naga people because of his role as the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga political issue and whose name is a household name amongst the Naga families. Ravi is a man who had extensively studied the history and political affairs of the naga society and whose immense contributions led to the signing of the framework agreement, he added.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi appointed Ravi as the new Governor of Nagaland with an objective to resolve the Naga political issue and whose appointment at this juncture would pave the way forward for the Naga political issue. He wished him good health, long life and a pleasant stay in Nagaland.

President, Tenyimia Public Organisation, Timikha Koza while delivering the welcome address congratulated R.N. Ravi for sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland and extended his appreciation on behalf of TPO. He said R.N. Ravi who was the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga Political Issue and whose coming as the new Governor of Nagaland at this crucial juncture, is indeed a blessing and an opportunity for the Nagas to resolve its impassable political issue which is honourable and acceptable to all sections of Naga people. Ravi is distinct from his predecessors in a way that he was once the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga Political Issue. With that distinction, he termed him ‘people’s Governor’ and urged him not to take advantage on the weaknesses of Nagas but strive hard to accomplish the common goal.

President ENPO while speaking on the occasion congratulated R.N. Ravi for assuming the highest constitutional post. He said he had nothing to apprise him about the political affairs of Naga society as he has been closely associated with Naga people for the last few years, he mentioned. He said Ravi’s coming to Nagaland as the new Governor at this point of time is a blessing for the Nagas as his service and guidance is required for early settlement of Naga political issue. He also mentioned that the Naga political issue is about the identity of Naga as a whole. He also urged the new Governor to continue look it into the Naga political issue with best possible solution for the Nagas without compromising the identity of the Nagas.

President CNTC, Matong Jamir while welcoming the new Governor, expressed hope that with with his appointment as the Governor, the Naga peace talk will be expedited and that the Nagas would be able to see the protracted Naga issue coming to a logical conclusion and peace ushering in through out the Naga inhabited areas.

The invocation prayer was offered by Bishop of Nagaland, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil. A song titled “Any dream will do” was presented by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club while “Aghutomi Philokuwo” was presented by Siiriimi Cultural Society, Kohima. “God is our refuge” by Baptist Revival Church, Kohima and “Jai Ho” by Purple Fusion.

Chief Secretary Nagaland, Temjen Toy, IAS gave the concluding remarks.