Naga issue should be left to GoI and Naga negotiators: WC

In a snub on the state governments perennial exercise of convening “consultative meetings” on Naga political issue, the Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs has reminded the state government to instead “focus on Nagaland state issues and governance”.
This was contained in a statement issued by the media cell of WC/NNPGs just on the eve of the March 9 consultative meeting convened by the state government with legislators, Tribe hohos, CSOs etc at the CM’s Banquet Hall Kohima.
WC, maintained that the subject of Naga political issue was best left to the government of India and Naga negotiators, mandated by the people, to usher in honourable and acceptable political solution at the earliest.
While appreciating the effort of the state government as facilitators, WC, NNPGs affirmed that since the government of India and the Naga negotiating groups have “concluded the political talks officially” on October 31, 2019, and Naga tribes have accepted “this announcement”, all apex tribal bodies of Nagaland, customary institutions and civil societies have, time and again, have been demanding that the Government of India ink an inclusive agreement without further delay.
WC also expressed appreciation of the state government for trying to take the views of Nagaland tribes, civil societies and non-Naga indigenous communities on paramount issues confronting the state government and the people. It said that broad exchange of views on matters such as Urban Local Body elections, AFSPA, Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act were very important.
However, WC reiterated that any state sponsored discussion on Naga political issue, outside the parameter, would be a misnomer and unqualified.