Indigenous/adivasi leaders have resolved to urge the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to take “direct charge” of the “Indo-Naga” peace negotiations. The resolution was adopted at a meeting organized by Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in New Delhi, on May 12, 2023.
In a press release, the NPMHR said the meeting, which adopted two-point resolution, was attended by indigenous/adivasi leaders and organization from the state of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
According to NPMHR, the meeting expressed appreciation on the “durability of the Indo-Naga peace process”, which had lasted for over two and a half decades.
One of the resolutions read “…It is recognized that the Framework Agreement is not only the highest achievement of the peace negotiations but also the only workable solution in the present juncture, hence it ought to be respected to ensure honorable and lasting peace in the Naga areas.”
The leaders present at the meeting expressed belief that “lack of significant progress” since the signing of the Framework Agreement could potentially destabilize the efforts at peace. The indigenous/adivasi leaders, therefore, urged the Prime Minister to take direct charge of the negotiations “to expedite its satisfactory resolution.” Describing the meeting as “historic”, the NPMHR said that important indigenous/adivasi leaders including Faggan Singh Kulaste (Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel, Government of India), Omkar Singh Markam (Ex-Cabinet Minister and sitting MLA of Madhya Pradesh), Dr.Hiralal Alawa (MLA, Madhya Pradesh) attended the meeting.
Several leaders of tribal, political and social organizations including Vela Ram Gogra of BTP Rajasthan; Bala Jagtap of Prahar Social Party, Maharashtra; Shradha Kashyap of Ekta Parishad and others attended the meeting.
NPMHR said that Faggan Singh Kulaste expressed solidarity and commitment for the cause of peace in the Naga areas. He also reportedly assured to take the concerns expressed in the meeting to the political leadership of India.
Other indigenous/adivasi leaders such as Dr. Heera Alawa, Velaram Meena, Rakesh Mahale, Gajanand Mahale, Hafiz Harun, Hari Singh Marawi, Gulzar Singh Marawi, Bala Saheb Jagtap, Arslan Y.Khan and Bijaya Panda also expressed their solidarity with the Naga endeavour for peace, NPMHR stated.
