Naga Hoho (NH) has called upon the Central government and NSCN (I-M) to resolve their differences and expedite a solution to the long-standing Naga issue.
In a press note, NH president Sulanthung Lotha said that the Framework Agreement signed in 2015 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 21 years, with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland.
NH expressed disappointment that despite perpetual ceasefire extensions over the past 27 years under four prime ministers, none had the inclination or courage to deliver what was promised.
NH said that the political settlement was the only panacea for the Naga people to “underscore the rights of the Naga people and to live as one people under one pavilion.”
The hoho criticized what it termed as the “insincerity” of the government of India in resolving the long drawn Naga political issue till date.
It pointed out that as long as the Centre failed to acknowledge or respect in bridging differences between the negotiating parties and bringing a cessation of hostilities, Nagas would not be in a position to listen to another entreaty of updates from the Centre.
The hoho stressed that the negotiating parties must take all sections of people in confidence to avoid dissension in the future. “The solution should be inclusive and honourable whereby durable peace shall reign in our land,” NH stated.
NH further urged Naga political groups to unite and prepare a common landing ground to push forward the Naga political agenda. It also appealed to the public to actively participate in the peace process by sharing their views so that the common political destiny could be decided that was acceptable to all.
“We should not be silent spectators at this juncture, nor should we create hurdles for those parties working out a solution,” the statement read. Furthermore, NH appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver on his promise to resolve the Naga issue.
It expressed hope that the BJP-led Central government would fulfill the aspirations of the Naga people by reaching an “honourable settlement based on the Framework Agreement by Christmas.”