Nagaland: Naga National Political Groups to ‘prevent’ election, for solution

In a major development having far reaching political ramification, the Working Committee (WC) of the seven–member Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has decided to “prevent the forthcoming election under any circumstances to prevent election without solution”.
In an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post over phone, after the meeting with the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCoNPI) at Police complex Chümoukedima on Friday, co-convenor of WC/NNPGs, Isak Sumi said this decision has been conveyed to CCoNPI. Sumi explained that the WC of NNPGs remain determined that the utmost desire of Nagas was for early solution and not election.
“During today’s meeting, we have made it known very clearly to the core committee that NNPGs has taken a consensus decision to prevent the forthcoming election under any circumstances to prevent election without solution,” said Isak,
Isak said NNPGs also asked the incumbent legislators and all the state political parties to appeal to the Government of India to “defer election without solution”.
In this connection, Isak said the CCoNPI informed the WC, NNPGs that even the chief minister and deputy chief minister have “issued a directive to the respective parties not to campaign for election, so as to not instil negative impression on the Naga people”.
Meanwhile, Isak also informed that a team of the WC, NNPGs are proceeding to Delhi on September 26 to “fine tune the political process in order to facilitate an early solution”.
Sumi maintained that since all official talks have already concluded, WC delegation will be meeting Government of India representatives in Delhi to give a final touch for solution.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Isak Sumi claimed that NNPGs had been insisting and emphasising on an inclusive solution and that they did not have any apprehension regarding coming together in order to have an inclusive final solution.
He was responding to a question whether the seven NNPGs were ready to cooperate with NSCN (I-M) for inking a final solution. “It has always been the desire of all the revolutionary negotiating parties to come together, join hands and have a final inclusive solution,” he claimed.
About the meeting, Sumi said CCoNPI updated WC, NNPGs on the meeting held recently with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He mentioned that the meeting discussed how to move forward together in order to have inclusive solution at the earliest. “On our part, all the substantive issues have been negotiated and the talks have concluded. So, we don’t have much to discuss about,” he added.
Meanwhile, Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue minister Neiba Kronu, who is also member secretary CCoNPI, said the meeting was held with the aim of bringing “friends” together (NSCN (I-M) and WC, NNPGs) so that one solution could be achieved.
He clarified that discussion were not like the previous ones, stressing that they understood each other better, and expressed appreciation to WC for the recent signing of ‘September Joint Accordant’.
Asked if solution could be achieved before Christmas, he replied, “We are all trying our best. For every problem there is a solution. Let us hope for the best.”
On the other hand, UDA co-convener Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu said there was nothing much to discuss with the seven NNPGs as they had agreed everything.
He stated that after signing of the Joint Accordant on September 14, NNPGs were now waiting for NSCN (I-M) to come and join the bandwagon and do the final inking.
“May be the outcome will be very positive. Before Christmas we are expecting a solution definitely,” he remarked.
He claimed that NNPGs were requested to have better understanding with NSCN (I-M) and approach them diplomatically for the final inking. On the outcome of the Friday meeting, he replied that it was “very fruitful”.
Deputy chief minister Y Patton also appealed to the seven NNPGs to have mutual understanding with NSCN (I-M).
Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi told media persons that WC, NNPGs were invited by the Government of India, and a delegation would head to Delhi soon to have talks with the Centre.
The 17-member CCoNPI delegation led by chief minister and convenor, Neiphiu Rio included co-convenors– deputy chief minister Y. Patton, UDA chairman TR Zeliang, NPF legislature party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, member secretary and minister Neiba Kronu, members & ministers– G. Kaito Aye, S. Pangnyu Phom, P. Paiwang Konyak, Metsubu Jamir, Kashiho Sangtam, advisors– H Haying, H. Chuba Chang and MLAs–Khriehu Liezietsu, Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, Imkong L Imchen, Kezhienyi Khalo and MPs– Tokheho Yepthomi (Lok Sabha) and S. Phangnon Konyak (Rajysa Sabha).
The seven-member WC, NNPGs team included co-convenors– Isak Sumi, Kiumukam Yimkhiung, Toshi Walling; coordinator Alezo Venuh, secretary Ghukiho T Jimo and member Shitoho Chophy.