Dimapur, Dec. 19 (EMN): A joint forum of Nagaland Legislative Assembly has stated its commitment to pursue integration of the ‘Naga family.’ The affirmation to the ‘desire of the Naga people to live together under one administrative umbrella’ was a mission statement among several others that was made by the Parliamentary Working Committee of Joint Legislators' Forum on Nagaland Political Issue, in Kohima on Dec. 19.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and members of different political parties participated in the discussion, a copy of a press release to the media stated on Thursday. The Naga political issue was the primary premise for all the resolutions the statement listed.
“The House places on record its commitment towards the democratic desire of the Naga people to live together under one administrative umbrella while appealing to all sections, especially the civil society groups and hohos, to have confidence in the strengthening of the Naga family and come together under a spirit of oneness so that we collectively work towards unity and not towards fragmentation of the Naga family,” the statement read.
Here the forum iterated the stand of the Nagaland government and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to “pave the way for any alternative arrangement that may come about from the political solution which is honourable and acceptable to the people.”
The forum has appealed to the negotiating parties involved in the Naga political peace process ‘especially to the Government of India,’ to expedite the dialogue. That way, the forum stated, an early and negotiated political settlement “that is honourable and acceptable to the people is arrived at the earliest possible.”
The forum also acknowledged the contribution and “sacrifices of all sections” especially the “Naga nationalists and their families” to fight for the rights of the Nagas. The statement acknowledged the role of Naga civil society including the church that “positively contributed towards the Naga political issue reaching thus far.” The efforts towards unity and reconciliation are acknowledged and placed on record, the legislators stated.
Likewise, the forum appreciated the government of India “for its sincerity in the ongoing negotiations and for its accommodative and inclusive approach and for its widespread consultations with all sections.”
The forum welcomed the participation of the Naga ‘national political groups’ who joined the negotiations with the government of India “with the sincere efforts” to resolve the political conflict.
“The House appealed to all Naga national political groups to come forward and join the negotiations and participate in the peace talks so that the final solution is inclusive.
In other matters, the forum expressed condolences at the demise of demised NSCN leader, Kholi Konyak, who passed away on Dec. 12, at New Delhi.
“His contributions and sacrifices towards the Naga political movement will remain acknowledged by all generations to come,” the press release read.
