DIMAPUR, AUG 11 (NPN): Responding to some organisations who are demanding replacement of R.N.Ravi as the government of India’s Interlocutor to Naga Peace Talks, the 14 Apex Naga Tribal Hohos of Nagaland (14 ANTHN) and the Lotha Hoho, in separate statements have backed the continuance of R.N.Ravi as Interlocutor.
ANTHN: In a statement, the 14 Apex Naga Tribal Hohos of Nagaland (ANTHN) through the Media Bureau expressed appreciation that political negotiations have progressed to the final leg where inclusive agreement could be reached anytime, if negotiating parties stood committed to the October 31,2019 understanding.
On the demand for replacing Ravi, ANTHN said “this is not the time for negative campaign” as it could only delay the process and lead to another endless negotiations while remaining in one’s comfort zone “at the cost of peace and tranquillity”. ANTHN said at this juncture, it was pertinent to “avoid double standard role of negotiation, without any commitment for solution.”
ANTHN also reminded that the “voice and aspirations of the Nagas have grown louder each day” for a peaceful solution to the protracted Naga political issue now than ever before, “despite our diversity in multiple issues.”
Media Bureau said Nagas have been “reeling under a situation of uncertainties in absence of real peace for decades together” and therefore, Nagas are desperate to have peace “in our land and also with al neighbouring ethnic groups, for all times to come.”
Reiterating the cherished campaign for early solution, ANTHN appealed to the prime minister Narendra Modi “ to demonstrate his magnanimity and generously address one of the oldest political conflicts, with resounding effects in the political history of magnificent India, with no intention of change of the Interlocutor.”
LH: In another statement, Lotha Hoho, through its chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary S.Aben Ngullie expressed constraint to “voice out its opposition to the campaign by some groups, for changing” present Interlocutor R.N. Ravi.
In this regard, LH said it fully supports the stand of Naga GB Federation and Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) in raising resentment against the campaign to replace Ravi. LH said much effort and time was already invested by all stakeholders in negotiations and replacing the Interlocutor now would “go back to zero” and everything would have to start afresh.
Was not the demand for replacing Ravi, an attempt to derail the negotiations that is near solution? asked LH. According to LH, changing the Interlocutor would undo all the 23 years of efforts put into negotiations for political settlement and only derail the process. It pointed out that after 23 years of negotiations, most of the stakeholders “are in the podium” and that all negotiations have formally concluded on October 31,2019.
Also, LH said it learnt that most competencies were finalised and what remained was tying up loose ends for the long-awaited Naga settlement, that is knocking at the door.
LH said it should be understood that whether it was Ravi or any other Interlocutor, all are human and so cannot satisfy everyone’s aspiration. However, LH said it observed that “Nagas will not get another Interlocutor better than Ravi” since he has been involved with negotiations for many years and has “digested the Naga political background, the long journey of the Naga struggle, the turmoil faced in that journey” and understood the human aspects the aspirations of Nagas. Why not call a spade a spade and so why change the Interlocutor and derail and end the much awaited Naga settlement it said.
LH reminded that the Naga political movement took roots in Lotha soil and for which many Lothas sacrificed their lives and suffered much like other Nagas. Therefore, LH said it continues to fully support the Naga national movement and settlement and so urged upon all to commit too the cause of the Nagas and work for early solution rather than derailing it.
LH also prayed that Nagas, the negotiating groups and Interlocutor be blessed with divine wisdom to bring an honourable solution so as to bring a solution that was honourable and acceptable to Nagas and so to achieve this target, there should be no talk of changing the Interlocutor.
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