WC-NNPG hits back at RPP's 'misguided' statement on Naga peace talks

DIMAPUR — The Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) led by N Kitovi Zhimomi has taken exception to the recent media statement of Rising People’s Party (RPP), asserting that such remarks originating from “a registered political party within the state” cannot be tolerated.

In a press release issued on Monday, the committee suggested that the RPP’s statement displays “an unorganised group that struggles to understand the complexities of the current Indo-Naga political discourse.”

“The RPP, a registered Indian political party, has been notably ineffective, as they have been unable to nominate even a single suitable candidate for any state general elections. Their current role appears to be more obstructive than constructive, serving as a hindrance to the developmental initiatives within the state.

“An Indian political party registered in Nagaland seems to undermine Naga history, identity, and political aspirations. The disruption of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace deal with the Government of India through negative commentary disseminated in the media under the auspices of an Indian political party is unacceptable,” read the statement.

According to the WC-NNPG, the RPP—“as a political party and not a negotiating party”—has no right to intervene.

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“However, if they have agendas or any suggestive inputs that are beneficial for the common citizens, in that case, why not call all the Naga political groups to sit across the table and discuss their views? What do the RPP want India's government to do? Do the RPP know the ground reality?

“The RPP party's decision to tag former interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi for conjuring the ‘Agreed Position’ for the 'Nagas of Nagaland' is fundamentally misguided and lacks credibility. This assertion can be described as complete ignorance, baseless and misleading,” it added.

In response to the party’s description of AK Mishra's recent visit as a waste of public resources, the committee stated that the RPP should demonstrate a clear understanding of the current Indo-Naga political situation. “They should act as a popular political party and not as a blogger on social media…former members of ‘ACAUT’ Nagaland,” it added.

The WC-NNPGs went on to state that the RPP’s portrayal of Agreed Position as being for the ‘Nagas of Nagaland’ was fundamentally misguided and misleading. It reaffirmed that the Agreed Position was negotiated with great effort and has far-reaching implications for Nagas across Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

“Anyone claiming that the Agreed Position is only for the Nagas of Nagaland shows a traitorous mindset. It raises the question of whether there are individuals, organisations, or entities influencing RPP's statements behind the scenes,” it stated.