Legislators call for ‘one solution, one agreement’

DIMAPUR, JUL 10 (NPN): In what was like a déjà vu since 2005, the Core Committee of Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue, formed on June 16,2021 renewed the appeal on all “negotiating groups to come together” in order to hammer out their differences and create a common approach for “one solution and one agreement”

The appeal was among the five-point resolution (see box) adopted by the Committee at its first meeting at the Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima police complex, Friday.

It may be pointed out that the Core Committee comprises of five elected members each of various political parties while the Parliamentary Committee comprises of all the 60 MLAs and two MPs. State chief minister Neiphiu Rio is convener of both panels; while Dy. CM Y. Patton and NPF leader T.R. Zeliang are co-conveners of both panels and Planning Minister Neiba Kronu the member-secretary of both panels.

Besides the chief minister, Dy. CM and opposition leader, 12 other core committee members attended the meeting.

Interestingly, the Interlocutor to the Naga Peace Talks R.N. Ravi had stated that negotiations with all groups had ended on October 31,2019 when formal talks were concluded. However, demand for flag and constitution which the government of India had rejected, are keeping final agreement in suspended animation. The government of India has rejected the demand that they be part of the agreement but kept doors open post-solution.

5-point resolution ADOPTED

1. The Core Committee appeals to the negotiating Parties of the Indo-Naga Political dialogue to resume the Peace Talks with a positive approach of mutual respect for each other by setting aside pre-conditions in the greater interest of the people’s cry for long term peace and in order to move forward under a positive environment that is conducive to finding a political solution at the earliest time possible.

2. The Core Committee appeals to all Naga Political Groups to make serious efforts towards unity and reconciliation. The constant antagonism against each other, especially in public space and the Media is sending out a wrong message to the masses considering the fact that we are all pursuing the same aspiration of peace and political solution. Taking the positive example set by the elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who have risen above Party affiliations to unite for the Naga Political Issue, the Naga Political Groups should make concerted efforts and listen to the voice of the people for unity and oneness.

3. The Core Committee while appreciating the constant role and contributions of the Churches, Civil Societies and NGOs towards facilitating peace and strengthening the peace process, appeals to the Civil Societies, mass based Organizations and Tribal Hohos to make renewed efforts towards creating a conducive atmosphere for early realisation of a political solution by pursuing unity, reconciliation and oneness.

4. All Members of the Core Committee and the Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue, including the two Members of Parliament, have come together under the same banner in line with the election manifestos of all Political Parties and commit to the people that the elected members are prepared to pave the way as and when an inclusive, honorable and acceptable solution is arrived at.

5. The Core Committee on behalf of the Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue appeals to the Naga negotiating groups to come together in order to hammer out their differences and create a common approach for One Solution and One Agreement.
Later, talking to some media persons after the meeting, convenor of the committee and chief minister Neiphiu Rio, expressed happiness at the outcome of the meeting where all members present at the meeting also expressed their views.

After meeting on Friday, Rio remarked: “It is our hope and dream that we find solution and peace in our land.” On whether there was any plan to include the Myanmar-based Yung Aung-led NSCN (K) faction to the negotiating table, Rio replied, “It is up to the Government of India. But we are also discussing in what manner they should be handled.”

Opposition leader TR Zeliang, who is also co-convener of the committee, expressed happiness that the members held a “free and frank discussion”. Zeliang said it was decided to convince the Naga negotiating groups to come together and hammer out their differences so as enable them to make a common ground to talk to the Centre with a “common approach” without differences within themselves. Zeliang contended that since all legislators have come together, even the groups should also come together and make a common approach.

Only 14 members attended the meeting on Friday while others were unable to attend the meeting for varied reasons.

It was also learnt that veteran politician and minister social welfare, home guards and civil defence Noke Konyak was included as member of the committee in place of late Toshi Wungtung adviser IPR, SCERT, Village Guards who passed away recently.

Meanwhile, the formation of the two-tier panel on June 16 has only added confusion to the issue. The Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) split in August 2020 after NPF formed its own Political Affairs Mission (PAM) with the same objective on Naga political issue.

The JLF comprises of NDPP, BJP and Independent legislators and headed by the Speaker of the assembly.

On the other hand, the PAM is headed by NPF legislature party leader T.R. Zeliang and comprises of 11 party MLAs and two senior party functionaries. Since 2005 the legislators have apportioned on themselves to play the role of “facilitators” to the Naga political process for an early solution.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/legislators-call-for-one-solution-one-agreement/236168.html