The Naga People’s Front says the Naga political issue is at a decisive stage, urging a final, inclusive solution and warning against piecemeal approaches.
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DIMAPUR — The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Tuesday said the Naga political issue has reached a decisive stage requiring resolution at the highest level of the Government of India, while cautioning that any “piecemeal solution” could be detrimental.
In a press statement, the party asserted that the protracted issue, shaped over decades of negotiations between Naga political groups and the Government of India, must now move towards a final outcome rather than prolonged discussions.
Referring to recent discussions in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the NPF said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has indicated that the process has reached a stage where a decision must be taken at the highest level. This shows that the issue is serious, mature, and close to a stage where decisions must be made, it said.
The party also cited remarks made by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of the NPF, who raised concerns over the lack of clarity despite ongoing talks, stating that people remain uncertain about the timeline and nature of the final solution.
Highlighting Kikon’s observations, the NPF cautioned against “piecemeal solutions,” stating that partial arrangements could create confusion or division, and stressed that the final outcome must be “complete, fair, and acceptable to all sections.”
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The NPF statement was issued in response to an article written by former NLA Speaker Z Lohe, published on April 10, which raised concerns about the direction of the Naga political process and suggested that certain individuals and institutions were influencing it.
Rejecting such views, the NPF said the issue cannot be reduced to individuals or organisations, as it involves a long and complex political history.
It said the focus should instead remain on key questions, including the nature of the negotiations, the delay in reaching a conclusion, and whether the final solution would be acceptable to the people.
Describing the issue as one that concerns identity, history and the future of the Nagas, the party said it requires “careful handling, honest discussion, and responsible writing.”
The NPF added that there is a growing expectation for a “clear, transparent, and time-bound outcome,” and that decisions should not be delayed further.
It reiterated that the final solution must be “honourable, inclusive, and lasting,” stating that only such an outcome can bring the long-standing issue to a close.