MISHRA HOLDS JOINT MEETING WITH RIVAL NNPG GROUPS
In a significant step towards resolving the long-pending Naga political issue, the Government of India’s representative for Naga talks, A.K. Mishra, held a joint meeting with the N. Kitovi Zhimomi-led WC/NNPGs and ‘Gen.’ (Retd.) M.B. Neokpao Konyak-led WC/NNPG on Thursday at Police Complex, Chümoukedima.
Sources said the Centre is working to integrate the broad commitments of both agreements– Framework Agreement (FA) signed in 2015 and the Agreed Position (AP) of 2017- into a unified execution plan, which would guide structured implementation once a final settlement is reached.
On Wednesday, Mishra also held a closed-door meeting with NSCN (I-M) leaders at the Police Complex.
Political observers say that if successful, the inclusive model could not only resolve the vexed Naga issue but also set a precedent for handling other ethnic and regional conflicts through patient negotiation and phased execution.
Thursday’s meeting, held for around two and a half hours, was attended by several key figures, including WC/NNPGs convener and GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi, GPRN/NSCN kilonser and WC/NNPGs secretary G Naga, NSCN/GPRN (R) president Akato Chophi, NSCN/GPRN-K (Khango) ato kilonser Hokato Vusshe. The WC/NNPG leaders who attended the meeting included working conveners– NSCN/GPRN (K) ato kilonser Isak Sumi, NSCN (R) ato kilonser P Tikhak Naga and GPRN/NSCN (U) ato kilonser Alezo Venuh, among other senior leaders.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Kitovi said the meeting acknowledged past history and legacy, adding that it was decided that past legacies would not be allowed to stop the stakeholders from working ahead. “We will march ahead together,” he affirmed.
He shared that the meeting focused on the urgency of finding an early solution to the protracted Naga political issue, adding that they also conveyed to AK Mishra that the Naga people were longing for an early resolution. Asked whether both groups of the WC/NNPGs and WC/NNPG were planning to work together following the joint meeting, Kitovi responded, “They are the right persons to respond. Ask them.”
Meanwhile, WC/NNPG working convener ‘col’ (retd) Isak Sumi said the meeting was a part of the larger consultation process aimed at unifying the groups.
“The ultimate objective is to bring all the group come together, work out a consensus, and go for a solution together, not just for the NNPGs, but for all Naga political groups and stakeholders, coming together and working out a common execution plan”, he said.
On the presence of two separate NNPGs, he clarified that the status quo remained. “It is not about a platform. Every organisation, as a separate entity, meeting at one table,” he explained.
Asked when the next meeting would be held, he replied that it had not been scheduled yet, but hoped that it would be expedited.
Later, Mishra also held discussion with leaders of the NSCN-K (Niki) group.