Centre’s interlocutor Mishra meets Naga political groups in another round of talks

• DIMAPUR — The Government of India’s (GoI) interlocutor for Naga peace talks, AK Mishra, held a series of meeting with Naga political groups on Wednesday at the Rhododendron hall in Chümoukedima Police complex.
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• After meeting Mishra, the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) addressed the media wherein they reiterated their commitment towards an all-encompassing solution to the Naga issue.
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• Members of the NNPGs Collective Leadership—C Singson (GPRN/NSCN), Isak Sumi (Co-convenor, WC-NNPGs), P Tikhak (Ato Kilonser, NSCN-R), and Wangtin Naga (President, NSCN-R)—addressing the media on Wednesday at the Chümoukedima Police Complex.

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• Co-convenor of the WC-NNPG, Isak Sumi, acknowledged that Naga people have been kept in suspense, disappointment, disillusionment because of the delayed solution.
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• While apologising to the Naga people for all the wrongs that have been done, he asserted “we cannot justify and we cannot shy away from that. We cannot justify on any front for all the errors that have been committed. Now the basic issue here is to how to resolve the issue at the earliest.”
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• While admitting that there is no justification in delaying the solution, he emphasised the complexity surrounding the Naga issue.  “Our objective for a comprehensive all-encompassing Naga solution in itself is complicated because the Naga area is spread into four five states with multiple groups.”
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• He pointed out that there are certain issues where the Naga interest, the affected-states and the interest of the Government of India overlap and this—according to him—has led to delay. Therefore, he said that to work out a comprehensive all-encompassing solution, they are progressing towards a meticulous, in-depth interaction among the Naga political groups, the Naga civil societies and the stakeholders—where none of the Nagas or the stakeholders will be alienated.
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• Responding to a query concerning the Agreed Position, Ato Kilonser of NSCN (Reformation) P Tikhak said that the NNPGs are not claiming the ownership of the Agreed Position or the Framework Agreement.
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• But as Naga leaders, he said, they seek to discuss the Naga political issue and for early Naga solution.
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• Supplementing Tikhak, NSCN (Reformation) president Wangtin Naga said that both the agreements are directed at one goal. He expressed confidence that the two agreements will be combined and compiled into one, final inclusive solution.

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• According to Isak Sumi: “The Framework Agreement or the Agreed Position, to our perspective, is no longer an issue; rather, we are working out an execution plan.”
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• On the perceived split within the WC-NNPG and its impact on the ongoing talks, member of the Collective Leadership, GPRN/NSCN led by Neokpao-Alezo, C Singson, asserted that the split was a creation of “our own people.”
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•  “The GoI is only focused on one acceptable solution. The solution is being delayed because of our differences. We cannot be throwing blame on the GoI and today’s meeting was very fruitful.  Now the ball is in the court of Naga leaders and all Nagas must come together if we are really serious for a solution,” Singson said.
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• Also, the secretary of Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) for GPRN/NSCN led by Kitovi Zhimomi, G Naga, affirmed their continued pursuance towards an honourable solution. He also described their sitting with Mishra as “a very fruitful meeting”, with the objective purely focused on finding an early and honourable solution to the Naga problem.
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• NSCN/GPRN (Akato) President Akato Chophi and G Naga, Secretary of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board (GPRN/NSCN), briefing media persons after their meeting with Mishra.

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• “It won't be appropriate to talk more than that, because that is it,” he asserted.
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• Responding to a query on the position of the GoI with regard to the split in the WC-NNPG, he said: “It is between family members.”