NPF defends Neiphiu Rio’s remarks, saying they reflected collective Naga sentiment aimed at expediting ongoing peace negotiations
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DIMAPUR — The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday defended Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s position on the ongoing Naga political process, asserting that his views on representation from the government of India were intended to expedite negotiations and reflected a broader consensus among Naga stakeholders rather than any attempt to interfere in the talks.
In response to a statement released by the GPRN/NSCN (U) on May 19, the NPF maintained that the state government is not a party to the negotiations and that recent remarks made by the chief minister had been misinterpreted.
At the same time, it defended the chief minister’s public position on who should represent the Centre in the peace process, saying his views were guided by the objective of accelerating progress in the talks.
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According to the NPF, the chief minister’s remarks were consistent with a resolution adopted at the Naga consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024.
The party stated that the meeting brought together tribal hohos, Naga civil society organisations, Naga intellectuals, all elected members, and Nagaland’s two Members of Parliament, and unanimously resolved to appeal to the government of India to elevate the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the highest political level.
The resolution, it reminded, called for the appointment of an interlocutor at a political or ministerial level with the confidence and mandate of the government of India.
“To misread such views as contradictory is to obfuscate the collective sentiment of Naga stakeholders,” the rejoinder stated.
The party further argued that despite the 2021 announcement that negotiations had concluded, an honourable solution had yet to be reached and that the current situation necessitated continued engagement at different levels.
On terminology, the NPF maintained that it recognised sensitivities surrounding references to negotiating entities and maintained that it had consistently used the term “Naga political groups” in official communications and during Assembly proceedings.
It stated that nomenclature should contribute to unity rather than deepen divisions and reiterated that the overarching objective remained an honourable and inclusive settlement.
Addressing another point of contention raised by GPRN/NSCN (U), the NPF also clarified remarks made by the Minister for Roads and Bridges concerning village chieftains.
The party stated that the minister’s comments were made specifically in the context of the Sümi community during the Sümi Kükami Hoho general conference and were not directed against the Naga national movement.
According to the rejoinder, the remarks were intended as a call to preserve the sanctity of traditional institutions and reflected concern that direct involvement of village chieftains with particular groups could undermine their role as custodians of tradition and social cohesion.
The NPF reiterated that the Naga political issue remains above party politics and urged all stakeholders to avoid public exchanges that could create confusion among the public at a critical stage in the peace process.