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Minister for Forests, Climate Change and Environment, Imkong L Imchen addressing media persons during the press conference held at his office chamber on May 15.[/caption]
Kohima, May 15 (EMN): Commenting on the August 3 framework agreement signed between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India in 2015, minister for Forests, Climate Change and Environment, Imkong L Imchen, while making his opinion public, has suggested the need to bridge the trust deficit that has occurred between the negotiating parties and the Naga general public, including the political parties in the state.
Addressing a press conference this afternoon at his office chamber, Imchen lauded the efforts of the two negotiating parties for making it thus far, to put on table the decades-long Naga political issue. He, however, questioned the negotiating parties, for not welcoming on-board the other Naga political groups, and further for keeping the public in suspense about the progress of the framework agreement.
“There is enormous trust deficit between the negotiating parties and the Naga general public, including political parties in the state. I feel that this trust deficit should be bridged comfortably at the earliest,” read the five-point statement issued by the minister to media persons.
It may be recalled that Imchen has earlier issued a similar statement on August 6, 2015, in support of the Framework Agreement signed between the NSCN (IM) and the GOI in the presence of the prime minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Rajnath Singh at New Delhi on August 3, 2015.
“I have no hesitation to appreciate the sincerity and commitment of the negotiating parties. Having said that, the Nagas in general should also come out with open mind and contribute their views and ideas instead of developing negative attitude,” Imchen said and lauded PM Modi for taking a bold step, which he said has clearly depicted his commitment and sincerity on Naga political issue.
In making it known that he still hold the same opinion about the framework agreement , Imchen made a sincere appealed with the call that “The Nagas cannot afford to lose the present opportunity in shaping the destiny of their future,” while he also appealed the negotiating parties “to exhibit the art of benevolent diplomacy and statesmanship devoid of arrogance.”
“This is the time to demonstrate the good quality leadership while ironing out its obstacles and difficulties,” he appealed.
Stating that so many organisations and concerned Naga citizens have also expressed their opinions in public ever since the framework agreement was signed, the minister reiterated that the negotiating parties should have an open mind in soliciting the opinion of the Naga public and other underground factions.
“There are at least 7 (Seven) Naga underground factions who are outside the purview of the ongoing political talks. Why the negotiating parties (GOI and NSCN IM) should not sincerely approach them with open minds is difficult to discern,” he said and at the same time regretted for the failure of the seven underground factions to come to a single platform.
He foresees that, once the factional groups come together, they will be able “to present a comprehensive and common agenda for the cause of the Naga political issue and its solution.”
The minister, who wished to make his opinions as purely personal, also regretted stating that the State government have been asked to give its opinion on the framework agreement.
“I do not understand as to why the Government of Nagaland should not be taken into confidence by the negotiating parties, which is truly peoples’ mandated government and therefore cannot be simply wished,” he said adding that “there are recognised political parties in the State, besides government, who may also have wisdom laden ideas and proposals to contribute in the political talks.”
“We are willing to cooperate, but ou
r opinions have not been solicited. We will be a trust worthy facilitator, but no assignment was assigned to us so far,” he stated adding “If you are outside the purview of the agreement, it is expected of you to have apprehensions.”
Mentioning about the commitment of the present government in uniting the political factions, he informed about the closed-door meeting held between the Naga political groups and the Political Affairs Mission led by the Chief Minister Dr Shürhozelie on April 8, 2017 at Chumukedima Police Complex.
“We are open and have no hidden agenda,” Imchen said while he informed that the government will next sit for a meeting separately with NSCN (IM).
Sharing his apprehension, the minister also pressed for a solution before the State general election which will be held tentatively in the early part of 2018.
Stating that Nagaland State election is the costliest election in India, Imchen suggested that the solution to the long pending Naga political issue should be settled before the elections.
“The 60 elected representatives may not be ready to vacate their elected seats after the general elections. So if anything has to be worked out, it has to be done before the elections.
On being asked to comment on the talks surrounding the formation of a new regional political party in Nagaland, Imchen candidly said that “he was not part of it” and refused to comment any further.