PAM, NSCN (IM) delegates discuss need for reconciliation

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 31 (EMN): The first consultative meeting between the newly-formed Political Affairs Mission (PAM) of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and top leaders of the NSCN (IM) was held on Monday at the Rhododendron Hall, NAPTC in Chümoukedima.

The NSCN (IM) delegation was led by its president Q Tuccu, while the leader of opposition, TR Zeliang, led the NPF contingent.

Speaking with Eastern Mirror, PAM member and senior NPF legislator, Imkong L Imchen, said that they had approached the NSCN (IM) for “reconciliation and inclusiveness” among the Naga groups in order to achieve an early settlement to the Indo-Naga issue.

According to him, the response from the NSCN (IM) leaders was “very constructive”, and the discussions “very frank”.

He said that the NSCN (IM) leaders made it clear “that the solution and agreement cannot be two or three, but one composite (sic).”

Imchen said that the PAM plans on meeting the leaders of 7 NNPGs next.

A highly-placed source from the NSCN (IM) described the meeting as “very cordial, meaningful and interactive”. He said that, during the 5 hour-long meeting, they discussed about “how differences cropped up after October 31, 2019”, as well as the competencies of the ‘framework agreement’.

The NSCN (IM) also impressed upon PAM “the need for reconciliation among the Naga political organisations in particular and the Naga people in general,” the source said. The PAM and the NSCN (IM) decided to meet again for further discussion, he added.

Meanwhile, the PAM issued a statement informing that the meeting was held as part of the party’s endeavour to facilitate in bringing about a final solution to the Naga political issue.

While urging upon the NSCN (IM) delegation to be more accommodative with other Naga political groups, the NPF delegation assured that the NPF party would continue to play the role of an active facilitator, it stated.

The NPF delegation called upon the NSCN (IM) leaders to revisit the Covenant of Reconciliation signed on June 13, 2009 and proceed with the ongoing peace process in the true spirit of reconciliation, it added.

The NSCN (IM), in return, expressed hope of scaling greater heights with the support of the Naga people and the PAM, it informed.