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Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 18 (EMN): Just two days after the Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue adopted a four-point resolution, including a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to invite the NSCN (IM) leaders (for peace talks) in order to arrive at an early settlement, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday said that such a move is necessary because of the word “competency” mentioned in the Framework Agreement (FA).
“It (Framework Agreement) is signed by them (NSCN-IM and GoI) and that ‘competency’ word is inserted in the Framework Agreement, so that secret is with them; we don’t know. That was why we requested the prime minister and home minister to call and talk with the NSCN (IM),” Rio told journalists after casting his vote for the 15th President of India at the Assembly Secretariat in Kohima on July 18.
He added that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government would ‘do all that’s possible to see that success comes’ out of the negotiations for settlement of the Naga political issue.
The Parliamentary Committee on the Naga Political Issue had, in its meeting held in State Banquet Hall in Kohima on July 16, adopted four resolutions, and one of which ‘appealed to the negotiating parties to refer to the competencies as reflected in the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) to arrive at a mutually acceptable definition of competencies to resolve this contentious issue at the earliest, and bring about a final solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive’.
It added that ‘since the talks have been concluded officially on 31st October 2019, the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Hon'ble Union Home Minister are urged upon to invite the NSCN (IM) leaders for an early conclusion’.
Leader of Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu described the four-point resolution passed by the Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue on July 16 was “the best”, saying that had received calls from all quarters including the WC-NNPG, NSCN (IM) and Dr. SC Jamir (on the adopted resolutions).
“I think this will be a final push and the dynamics will be different now because Delhi will take it seriously. 60 legislators including the two MPs are very serious,” he said.
As for the final outcome, he said that there cannot be two different agreements.
“The Agreed Position and the competency clauses (of FA) will be clubbed together. They will do a comprehensive study on both issues and will bring out a common draft. Once that common draft is brought, then it will be given to the public domain for public acceptance; then only the final ink will happen,” he said.
Chairman of UDA, TR Zeliang informed that the parliamentary committee had requested the government of India’s representative AK Mishra to officially invite the NSCN (IM) for a discussion again to see if there is any chance they could re-shape the common clause.
He added that Mishra had spoken to NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah and they are going to discuss it in a day or two. Following the discussion, the parliamentary committee would follow up if required, he added.
Nagaland Chief Minister said after casting his vote for the presidential election on Monday that the Dimapur airport land encroachment issue, which currently in the court, is the “worst”.
The runaway is only about 2.3 km and to extend a little bit till the river, the land was purchased, but the runaway extension cannot be continued due to encroachment issues.
“We are risking our own lives, and people like you and me should voice together. We cannot benefit one individual at the cost of all the people,” he said.