Principal Correspondent
Khonoma, May 14
New Delhi’s interlocutor for Indo-Naga peace talks, R N Ravi today asserted that all the Naga underground groups and the civil societies will be on board for the final solution to decades old Indo-Naga political imbroglio.
Interacting with media persons after the debate session of the 26th General Conference of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on the topic “Government of India is serious to solve Naga political issue” at historic Khonoma village under Kohima district this evening, Ravi said the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN(IM) are working together to find a way forward to find a mutually acceptable solution to the over six decades old Naga political issue.
On the time frame of attaining solution to the long cherished aspiration of the Naga people, Ravi said it is difficult to say the exact period when solution will be achieved, but “we are hoping and working to reach at the solution at the earliest.”
Asked whether talks with only one faction of the Naga underground group would bring about solution to the decades old problem, he said all the Naga groups, including the civil societies would be on board for the final solution.
“The entire issue concerns the Naga society and therefore as Government of India’s interlocutor for the peace talks I am engaging in talks with the Naga civil societies and not with the underground group alone”, R N Ravi added.
He said that talking with one faction of the underground outfit (NSCN-IM) does not mean that they are the final ones “because it has to involve all sections of the people after all this is for the Nagas in general”.
R N Ravi also said that during his interaction with the civil societies in the State since last evening, they have expressed their desire to reach an early solution to vexed Naga political issue.
“Everyone seems to be tired of the length of the talks that has been taking place and they are also concerned to know about the progress made thus far as they do not have any clue,” he said.
Ravi also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is serious about solving the Naga political problem and working towards having a mutually honourable solution to the maximum satisfaction before it is too late.
On a query whether the designated camps of Naga groups are part of the solution to the Naga problem, he replied in the negative saying that camps are being designated because during the period of talks guns should be silent.
“As guns and talks can’t go together and they are being designated with some place to stay with decency and have normal life while the leaders carry on with the talks”, he added.
On his comments about finding a way forward, he expounded that talks are being held and the nitty-gritties are being worked to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.
Asked whether the NSCN(IM) has forsaken the issue of ‘sovereignty issue’, he said the Naga outfit is keeping it on the table but “Government of India is considering the different shades of granting sovereignty and therefore together we are finding a way forward.”
The Government of India also serious about the Nagas ways of life and preservation of their identity, he asserted.
On the demand for making the peace talks open as suggested during the debate, he clearly rejected saying that such discussion/dialogue can’t be held in open or public domain as it is a serious business. “Unlike the past, we are presently engaged in serious business to work out a mutually honourable solution to the problem,” he added.
