NTHCC declines November 18 platform, warns against ‘parallel efforts’ in Naga reconciliation process

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee (NTHCC) has announced that it will abstain from the ‘Naga Common Platform’ initiative scheduled for November 18 on the grounds that parallel initiatives may undermine the ongoing reconciliation efforts led by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).

In a statement issued on Saturday, the NTHCC—comprising Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Lotha Hoho, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sümi Hoho, and Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation—reaffirmed its commitment to unity, reconciliation and a collective political future for the Naga people.

It recalled two recent milestones in the peace-building process: the Ungma Statement, adopted on August 23 by 16 Naga political groups (NPGs), 34 tribe hohos and the FNR; and the Zunheboto Resolution, adopted on September 27 by 15 NPGs, 33 tribe hohos and the FNR.

Both documents, it reminded, aspire for unity without preconditions.

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According to the NTHCC, its decision aligns with its earlier resolution on September 20 endorsing the FNR’s initiative to bring all NPGs onto a single, unified platform.

It warned that the emergence of a parallel platform—referring to the proposed November 18 gathering—could dilute the spirit of convergence embodied in the Ungma and Zunheboto agreements.

While appreciating the efforts of the All Nagaland GBs Association and other stakeholders, the committee stated that fragmented approaches “weaken the collective aspiration” and risk setting back the process of genuine reconciliation.

The NTHCC maintained that apex tribal hohos represent the legitimate voice of their tribes, including gaon buras (GBs) and other community organisations.

It appealed to tribal bodies and CSOs to place their trust in these apex organisations, which, it said, are acting in the broader interest of all Nagas.

The committee welcomed the state government’s endorsement of the Ungma Statement through the Political Affairs Committee and urged the government to maintain consistency—not merely in rhetoric but in “sustained political will” and policy support.

It also urged the Central Nagaland Tribal Council, Tenyimia Union Nagaland, and GBs from tribes represented in the NTHCC to abstain from the November 18 event to avoid what it termed “parallelism” in the reconciliation process.

Reiterating that a unified, consensus-driven approach is essential for a just and lasting political solution, the NTHCC called on all NPGs, tribal bodies, and stakeholders to recommit to the FNR-led reconciliation efforts guided by the Ungma Statement and Zunheboto Resolution.