Government of India (GoI)’s Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, R.N. Ravi who arrived Dimapur, to hold a political dialogue with Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) Working Committee (WC) for the first time in Nagaland, categorically stated that the talks with the WC which begun on September 27, 2017 was “not a parallel peace process.”
He maintained that there was only “one peace process which would be inclusive” and that there would be “only one agreement.” The interlocutor also stated that unless there was significant substantive change in the facts on the ground, the ensuing Nagaland Assembly Election 2018 will be held as scheduled.
Excerpts of the interview:
NP: How was the meeting with Working Committee of NNPGs? What are the important agendas discussed?
R.N Ravi: The meeting was on substantive issue and businesslike. It is a positive forward movement and I am happy about it. It shows the sincerity and seriousness of the Working Committee.
NP: The government of India has now brought in the Working Committee of NNPGs in the ongoing peace process. The recent development seems to have created confusion amongst the people. Can you throw some light on the recent developments?
Ravi: I wonder where is the confusion! Since the beginning our position has been that Naga Peace Process is inclusive. Inclusiveness is the wish of the Naga people also and is an imperative for an enduring solution. I have explained it that inclusive means all the stakeholders who appreciate the importance of present-historic opportunity and are willing to be part of the solution are welcome to it. I am already engaged with several important entities including the tribal hohos and civil societies. The six Naga groups took a bold decision to come together to be part of the Peace Process. I welcome their decision. Now they are formally part of the peace process.Some people have created the confusion by calling it a parallel Peace Process which is not true. Let me reiterate that there is only one Peace Process which is inclusive and there will be only one agreement.
NP: Are you holding consultative meeting or political talk with NNPGs Working Committee?
Ravi: Over the years Naga political discourse is lost in convoluted semantics rather than use of straight language. The Working Committee has an agenda and my job is to bring out a mutually agreed consensus to enrich the ongoing Peace Process and deliver a comprehensive solution.
NP: In the past, government of India had assured NSCN (I-M) that it will not negotiate with any other Naga political groups. However, today the WC is partaking in the peace process. How is NSCN (I-M) dealing with this development? Has the government of India and NSCN (I-M) come to some sort of understanding on the issue?
Ravi: About 20 years back GoI engaged the NSCN (I-M) for a comprehensive resolution of the Naga issue. We have always looked upon the NSCN (I-M) leaders negotiating with the GoI as Naga interlocutors. Their leadership in the negotiation with GoI cannot be under appreciated. Over the years of negotiation the GoI and NSCN (I-M) to a great deal have understood each others’ position and difficulties. It has helped us in coming much closer to each other than before. NSCN (I-M) is not opposed to an inclusive peace process and solution because we know that for an enduring solution we have to include all the stakeholders who are willing to be part of it. By inclusive process we strengthen the ongoing Peace Process. I won’t let anyone weaken or undermine it.
NP: Government of India is now holding talks with two parties – NSCN (I-M) and WC of NNPGs – is there any possibility of these groups not accepting each other’s agenda?
Ravi: While there may be differences among the perspective of Naga groups, the GoI has only one perspective and agenda that is comprehensive resolution of the Naga political issue. I believe differences among the Naga groups are more apparent than real. I am trying my best to help them sort it out.
NP: In the past, you have stated that talks with NSCN (I-M) are at an advanced stage and that both the parties are closer to signing the final agreement. If this is the scenario, how are you going to accommodate NNPGs at this stage?
Ravi: Yes, the ‘Talks’ with the NSCN (I-M) is at an advanced stage though there are a few issues yet to be resolved. I am hopeful that they will be sorted out soon. We have reached this stage through detailed arguments, understanding and mutual trust. This process has been instructive and educative for both of us. It has brought much greater clarity on issues. With the six groups being part of the Peace Process, I am hopeful of any early comprehensive settlement.
NP: What does government of India mean by one Peace Process and one solution for the Nagas?
Ravi: One loud lesson of the past is that an enduring solution to the Naga issue has to be comprehensive. There is no room for a part solution. GoI will not allow anyone to fragment the Naga issue. We know that the Naga political issue is common though expressed differently by different groups. Also there are legitimate locational aspirations. They have to be duly attended and honourably addressed. Hence the peace process has to be inclusive. It is a matter of necessity. The comprehensive solution shall address both the broad political issues as well as locational aspirations.
NP: There are speculations that a solution would be worked out before 2018 Nagaland state assembly elections. Will the people of Nagaland face elections? Or Nagas will have a solution before the elections?
Ravi: We are working hard for an expeditious conclusion of the Peace Process. It has taken long time and is testing the patience of the people. While my endeavour is to conclude it as soon as possible, you will appreciate that it is not for one party alone to bring the agreement. Negotiating parties have to agree. I am hopeful of an early solution but can’t unilaterally set a deadline. Conducting elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Unless there is significant substantive change in the facts on the ground, I presume it will go ahead.
NP: As an interlocutor you have been interacting with Naga leaders from time to time, do you feel that the civil society organisations, tribal Hohos or state government are doing enough to facilitate early solution to the Naga issue?
Ravi: Yes, I have taken the Naga Peace Process out of the closet and I am in regular conversations with all the crucial stakeholders. I must say that the Naga civil societies and Tribal bodies have been a positive force. I thank them for their cooperation being closer to the people and the contemporary realities they are more pragmatic than the armed groups who at times seem trapped in the rhetoric of the past. However, some civil societies are still at the fence I would urge them to play a proactive role in bridging the differences between the parties. Merely being a facilitator, which some of them claim to be, is not enough.