Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma meets Neiphiu Rio, Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCoNPI)

Assam chief minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma arrived Dimapur Thursday to hold a consultative meeting with the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCoNPI) headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and to acquaint himself with the latest development following the May 28 meeting between CCoNPI and NSCN(I-M).
Sarma, as convenor of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) has been co-opted by the union home ministry to act as a “catalyst” to the efforts of the “facilitators” (the political leadership of the UDA government) for supplementing efforts towards early solution to the Naga political issue.
On the eve of his trip to Dimapur, Sarma had clarified to media that his role was “limited” and would not be able to “mediate in such a big and complex issue”.
Sarma said: “At the political level and with the political leadership of BJP, NDPP and NPF, we keep on talking because all are within the NEDA. So, my role is limited only to interacting with our NEDA partners and not beyond.”
The Naga political issue is perched at a crucial stage as expectation for solution has been prolonged due to a stalemate between the government of India and NSCN (I-M) over the issue of Naga flag and constitution (Yehzabo). While the government of India has rejected outright both demands, the NSCN (I-M) insists, that the Framework Agreement it signed with the government of India’s then Interlocutor R.N. Ravi on August 3, 2015 was inclusive of flag and constitution.
The closed-door meeting between Sarma and the CCoNPI members led by its convenor and Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio held at Niathu Resort Chümoukedima, lasted around 45 minutes and media was barred from venturing even close to the venue.
Sources privy to the meeting however, told Nagaland Post, that there was free and frank exchange between the participants. The core issue was on the need to break the deadlock that has been impeding early solution to the Naga political issue.
The sources also said that Sarma as Convenor of NEDA will also convey to the Centre, the suggestions of CCoNPI.
The sources also disclosed that Sarma had conveyed to the Core Committee to “work harder to convince and make NSCN (I-M) understand and accept Government of India’s offer.”
Being a complex and sensitive issue, Sarma was of the view that no other person should comment on the Naga issue as every statement could complicate the matter.
Sarma had earlier said that “So far as the accord or permanent solution is concerned it should be left to the Government of India and NSCN (I-M)…”
He added that his visit to Nagaland is with regard to BJP’s relationship with Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). “This visit is only to discharge my role as convenor of NEDA. I do not interfere in Naga peace talks unless I am asked to meet certain leadership to clarify certain issues. As of now AK Mishra is dealing with it. I am not associated with you in any way and I am not meeting any NSCN-IM leaders.”
Besides Rio, the Core Committee members present at the meeting included– TR Zeliang, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, Neiba Kronu, G. Kaito Aye, Metsubo Jamir, Paiwang Konyak, Jacob Zhimomi, Pangnyu Phom, YM Yollow, Tongpang Ozukum, R. Khing, Imkong L Imchen, Yitachu, K Khalo, Dr. Ngangshi Ao, H. Haiying and Rajya Sabha MP, Phangnon Konyak.