Will Naga solution be 100 per cent satisfactory to all with 6 groups joining peace talks?

On Monday, the ongoing Naga peace talks got a “boost” after the Centre held talks with six underground groups in Chumukedima near Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland.

Kohima, Oct 24: On Monday, the ongoing Naga peace talks got a "boost" after the Centre held talks with six underground groups in Chumukedima near Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland.

Till now, only two parties--the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM)--have been involved in the Naga political dialogue.

The joining of six underground groups under the umbrella of-- Naga National Political Groups (NNGPs)--is likely to give pace to the whole peace process that has been one of the major goals of the people of Nagaland.

The Center's interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi, held a marathon meeting with the working committee of six groups. In fact, this is the first such discussion in the state since the talks started in 1997.

The six groups are Naga Nationalist Council, Government of People's Republic of Nagaland, Federal Government of Nagaland, NSCN (Reformation), National People's Government of Nagaland (non-accord) and Government Democratic Republic of Nagaland (non-accord).

Before the start of the meeting with the six Naga groups, Ravi addressed members of the Naga tribal grass-root organiations and civil societies. He lauded the effort of all groups for making it possible for the six NNGPs, who are now formally part to the peace process, to come together.

"This is a historic development because howsoever comprehensive the Naga issue, we cannot leave anyone out of the peace process. We must strive to the best of the ability to make it happen," Ravi said.

The six NNPGs have also been invited to involve in the peace talks before a final settlement is achieved.

Ravi said the Centre cannot be indifferent to the stake holders representing the Naga society at the grass root level and the active cooperation shown by them so far will surely reach an "honourable and acceptable solution in the near future".

The interlocutor said Naga issue cannot be fragmented. Ravi said the agreement might not be "hundred per cent satisfactory" but "we, all the groups, should make it happen".

"We cannot have too many agreements and solutions. There will be one peace process and one agreement that will be inclusive and comprehensive," he said and urged the NNGPs to continue to maintain unity and work to bring all groups under the peace process.

"We must not waste time but be sincere and honest and sort out the differences," he added.

The leaders of tribal organisations and civil societies have extended their support and cooperation and urged upon the Centre to expedite the peace process by bringing all Naga political groups on board to find an honourable solution to the long protracted Naga issue.

The talks come amid reports that the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) are close to clinching the peace deal on the basis of the framework agreement signed between the two sides on August 3, 2015.

OneIndia News