Civil society groups laud positive outcome of Naga peace talk

Dimapur, Nov. 2 (EMN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has welcomed the “process of political negotiations” on the protracted Naga issue coming to a “logical end” and congratulated the Naga negotiators — the Working Committee, NNPGs and the NSCN (IM) — and the government of India’s Interlocutor RN Ravi for the breakthrough.

Through a statement made available to the media on Saturday, the Nagaland Tribes Council expressed its gratefulness to God “who mercifully blessed the Naga political negotiators to overcome every negotiating hurdle and have reached the desired goal for a solution.” It thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nagaland governor RN Ravi, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues, opposition members and the state bureaucracy for their dedication and support towards bringing “the doubtful situation to a future of hope.”

The council also thanked prayer groups, churches, 14 Indigenous Naga tribes of Nagaland, Nagaland GB Federation, indigenous minority tribes and indigenous citizens of Nagaland for thier support during the critical juncture.

“The NTC is also grateful to all those NNPGs who set aside their differences and with all humbleness positively responded to the wishes of the people of Nagaland, formed the Working Committee and participated in the talks in the spirit of oneness through which the solution was persuaded,” read the statement.

“Meanwhile, the NTC appeals to our people to be aware of being swayed away by the rampant spread of disinformation and fake news on the latest developments. Both the GOI and the Naga leaders are dedicatedly working for a brighter and better future for the Nagas and therefore calls for everyone to extend cooperation to make the 31st October 2019 culminated talks into a reality,” it added.

NSF says it’s another landmark

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has stated that it was pleased to learn the meeting between the Government of India (GOI) and NSCN-IM on October 31 ended on a positive note and that an understanding has been reached between the two parties.

In a press communiqué made available to the media on Saturday, the apex Naga student body stated that it is convinced “this recent development is another landmark towards amicably resolving the South-East Asia’s longest movement for self determination in a manner which will uphold the legitimate rights and unique history of the Nagas.”

“The federation has always maintained that the abrogation of the peace process due to differences between the negotiating (parties) would prove too costly for the future of the Nagas. The NSF welcomes this positive development and appreciates both the parties to the political dialogue for adopting such progressive policies and resorting to ways that could eventually reign in a peaceful future for the Naga people,” read the statement.

14 Naga Tribes of Nagaland express contentment

The 14 Naga Tribes of Nagaland issued a statement on Saturday stating that they were contented with the latest development in the Naga peace talks wherein the GoI and the NSCN (IM) have reached a consensus to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga political issue through peaceful means.

“The process of Naga Peace Talks that had dragged on for more than 22 years finally is to be seen concluded in the manner acceptable and as desired by all stakeholders. Accomplishment of a decision such as that of the October 31 is historic and only possible through a perfectly divine intervention and nothing else. As the Naga people have faith in our Living God, we always rest our hope and future in His time and measure,” read the statement.

“While welcoming the magnanimity of all the concerned Naga Negotiators, the leaderships of the 14 Naga Tribes of Nagaland at this stage is duty bound to express happiness and extreme appreciation especially to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi; the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah; the Interlocutor and GoI Representative, RN Ravi, NSCN (I-M) GPRN

Ato Kilonser, Th Muivah; WC, NNPGs Convenor, N Kitovi Zhimomi and all the leaders instrumental in the Naga Peace Talks. The days that are to come shall be seen as a new dawn in our Naga unity and faith only unto the Creator Almighty,” it added.

Thank you for your prayers, says NSCN (IM)

The Chief Negotiator, Th Muivah and his delegate members, on behalf of NSCN (IM), have extended ‘profound gratitude and appreciation to every individual, church, forum, convention, association, national workers, prayer centre/group, civil society, etc. across Nagalim and beyond for their unceasing prayers.’

In a statement sent on Friday, the group stated: “They know for sure that God has answered your prayers and they are now able to take positive steps towards final solution.”

“The NSCN negotiating team earnestly appeal to everyone to continue upholding both the negotiating parties in your prayers so that the twenty two (22) years Indo-Naga peace talk is gracefully concluded before long,” read the statement.

The group’s negotiating team also thanked the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) and Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for rising up to the occasion with their ‘steering role.’