CNFN urges Nagaland government to step aside from Naga peace process, warning failure could lead to President’s Rule
DIMAPUR — The Concerned Naga Forum, Nagaland (CNFN) has urged the state government to withdraw from the Naga political process, warning that failure to do so could lead to imposition of President’s Rule if the government is seen as obstructing a political solution.
The position was adopted at the forum’s 7th general body meeting held in Dimapur on September 21 and released to the media on Thursday.
It reminded that the state government had pledged to step aside to facilitate an “honourable, acceptable and inclusive” Naga political solution. With the two Naga negotiating groups having signed political agreements, the forum said the state government was “morally bound” to honour that commitment and make way for their implementation.
It claimed that failure to do so would obstruct the path to a solution and “obligate” the government of India to impose President’s Rule and deliver a political settlement.
The forum also rejected the state government’s demand for the appointment of a fresh interlocutor, arguing that the demand went beyond the role of a facilitator.
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According to the CNFN, insisting on a new interlocutor would amount to seeking to reopen the negotiations. It added that the state government could pursue such a course only by formally rejecting the two agreements and amending the relevant resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The forum referred to the Assembly resolution adopted through a vote of thanks to then Governor RN Ravi’s address acknowledging that formal talks were over and time had come to deliver the desired solution.
State’s role
On the role of the state government, the CNFN said Nagaland was part of the government of India, which had signed agreements with Naga political groups. The state, therefore, could not remain detached from the negotiations or impose separate conditions on them, it claimed.
The forum urged the state government to stop what it described as interference and allow the Centre and the Naga political groups to work towards an amicable settlement.
On territorial integration, the CNFN stated that the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas was “no longer on the agenda” and called for the existing boundaries of the respective states to remain unchanged.
It also called on the indigenous people of Nagaland to uphold their responsibilities and urged non-indigenous residents to refrain from “undue interference” in matters concerning the rights of indigenous people.
The forum further called for a statewide Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), saying the responsibility to identify and categorise residents rested with the state government.
It stated that RIIN should provide a unique identity to legitimate residents and help ensure peaceful coexistence.
The CNFN appealed to the Naga political groups engaged in negotiations to remain focused and committed to their “gentlemen’s agreements” and work collectively towards a solution based on contemporary and practical realities.
It also urged the government of India to conclude the negotiations and deliver a political solution without further delay.
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