Our Reporter
Dimapur, Sep. 23 (EMN): The member secretary of the Parliamentary Core Committee on Naga Political Issue, Neiba Kronu, on Friday said that they are trying to bring their “friends” -- NSCN (IM) and WC-NNPG -- together so that one solution to the decades-old Naga issue can be brought about.
Kronu, who is also the minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, said this during an interaction with journalists after the parliamentary core committee’s meeting with the leaders of Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) at Police Complex in Chümoukedima.
The WC-NNPG team was led by its Co-Convenor Isak Sumi, and members Toshi Walling, Alezo Venuh, Ghukiho T Zhimo and Kiumukam.
Speaking about the meeting on Friday, Kronu said the discussion was different this time as they ‘understand each other better than before’. ‘So, let’s hope for the best,’ he added.
During the meeting today (Friday), the WC-NNPG leaders were updated about the outcome of the parliamentary core committee’s recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as shared the views of the Indian government, the minister said, adding that it had lauded the group for signing a ‘Joint Accordant’ with the NSCN (IM).
The WC-NNPG and NSCN (IM) on September 14 signed a ‘Joint Accordant’ at an event facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), resolving to desist from violence, work together, resolve outstanding issues and honour the “Covenant of Reconciliation” of June 13, 2009.
The Co-Convenor of WC-NNPG, Isak Sumi, said that the Parliamentary Core Committee on Naga Political Issue updated the outcome of its recent meeting with the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in New Delhi.
The house also discussed on finding ways to move forward together in order to have an inclusive solution at the earliest, he added.
‘On our (WC-NNPG) part, all the substantive issues have been negotiated and talks have been concluded, so they (participants) did not have much to discuss about,’ said Sumi.
When asked if the WC-NNPG is willing to come together with the NSCN (IM) for the final solution, he replied ‘they have been insisting and emphasising on inclusiveness of the solution, thereby they do not see any apprehension regarding the coming together (of two groups) in order to have an inclusive final solution’.
He added that it has always been the desire of the revolutionary negotiating parties to ‘come together and join hands’ for a final inclusive solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
Regarding the ongoing talks between the government of India and NSCN (IM), which resumed in Delhi on Tuesday after almost a four-month hiatus, the WC-NNPG Co-Convenor said they were very hopeful and optimistic that the result will be fruitful and have a positive bearing on the desire of the Nagas for an early solution.
Legislator and co-chairman of the ruling United Democratic Alliance, Kuzholuzo Nienu said that there is nothing much to discuss with the WC-NNPG as they have agreed with the government of India on everything and are waiting for the NSCN (IM) to join the bandwagon and do the final inking.
He said that they had requested the WC-NNPG to have a better understanding with NSCN (IM) and diplomatically approach it for inking of the final deal. He added that the WC-NNPG is waiting for a positive response from the NSCN (IM).
“May be the outcome will be very positive; before Christmas, we are expecting a solution definitely (sic),” he stated.
When asked about the outcome of the meeting on Friday, he replied that it was “very fruitful”.
The lone member of Lok Sabha from Nagaland Tokheho Yepthomi, who also attended the meeting, informed that the WC-NNPG will be leaving for Delhi on Monday (September 26).
He added that talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre have resumed but he didn’t want to comment on it without knowing the details of the discussion. ‘So, let’s wait for the outcome (of the talks)’, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Y Patton also said that the core committee had appealed to the WC-NNPG to have a mutual understanding with NSCN (IM), during the meeting on Friday.
When asked if the stand of the WC-NNPG on the purported offer of the Centre to incorporate the Yehzabo (Naga constitution) within the Indian constitution, he replied that there is no issue with the group on that.
It may be mentioned that the Parliamentary Core Committee on Naga Political Issue had met with the leaders of the NSCN (IM) a week ago after Amit Shah asked the state government’s delegation to convince the group to sign the final agreement.