The PDA government, Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) have welcomed the decision of the Niki-led NSCN (K) group to join the ongoing Naga peace process.
Appreciating the decision to join the peace process between Government of India (GoI) and Naga national political groups, the PDA said this spoke volumes of the commitment of Naga leaders towards bringing a final solution to the Naga issue and their desire that peace prevails amongst Nagas.
In a statement, PDA chairman and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak and PDA co-chairman and BJP State president Temjen Imna Along said the ruling coalition continues to encourage all stakeholders to come together for common cause and desire for peace, development and unity.
They also appealed to the Centre and the negotiating parties to expedite the ongoing talks so that the much-anticipated final settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue is realised in an honourable and inclusive manner in 2021.
Greeting the people of Nagaland a happy and blessed New Year, PDA said though 2020 was a difficult and challenging one for the world, the support of the people helped the State government in handling the pandemic successfully.
Praying that 2021 will be a year of hope and joy, the ruling coalition reaffirmed its commitment towards serving the people of the State with dedication and steadfastness.
NGBF: In a separate statement, NGBF president Shalem Konyak and general secretary Shikuto Zalipu appreciated both GoI under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSCN under the leadership of its president Nikhui (Niki) Sumi and general secretary Starson Lamkang, for ceasing hostilities and entering into negotiations.
Congratulating Niki and Starson for having the wisdom to realise that there was a limit to what an armed conflict could achieve, the federation expressed its gratitude for the magnanimity showed by Modi and New Delhi in welcoming the Naga group to the negotiating table. NGBF hoped that the latest development in the “Indo-Naga story” would be a “giant step” forward towards resolving differences and coming to a lasting agreement between the Naga people and the people of India.
NSF: NSF president Ninoto Awomi and general secretary Liremo R Kikon said they were thrilled at the news of NSCN/GPRN led by Sumi formally joining the peace talks with GoI. The duo in a statement said the federation was convinced that this development was a right step towards bringing about a peaceful end to the protracted Indo-Naga peace process.
NSF also appealed to all parties to the negotiation to show sincerity in their approach and ensure that a solution that was inclusive, honourable and acceptable to the Nagas was brought about at the earliest.
It further reiterated its earlier appeal to the Naga people to be mindful of the deceptive approaches of “our adversaries”, love each other unconditionally, accept each others’ weaknesses and, together with Christ, strive towards “our ultimate goal”.