Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 15 (NPN): A book titled “The Naga Talks: Deadline, Deadlocks And The Search For A Solution” authored by senior journalist and editor of NEPS News, Oken Jeet Sandham, was launched by minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K. G. Kenye during a programme held at Hotel Japfü on Friday.
Speaking as the special guest, Kenye said the book provided “an insight into the recent and not so recent dialogues, the political negotiations that have taken place.”
Referring to his personal ties with the author, Kenye said Sandham had “merged into the Naga society,” which had given him an emotional attachment to the issues confronting the Nagas.
Tracing the Naga political movement back to the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929, Kenye said the Nagas had travelled “a journey of 97 years” in search of an aspiration that remained “inconclusive, unending, unceasing.” Kenye said the Naga political issue continued to remain one of the most contentious matters and added that although the journey toward a solution had been long and uncertain, there was still hope in the way developments were unfolding.
Emphasising the importance of preserving history, he said the absence of proper documentation in the past had resulted in the loss of valuable anecdotes and events. He maintained that if earlier developments had been properly recorded by the literary and journalistic community, many of the confusions faced by society today could have been avoided. In his address, Sandham said the book was the culmination of years of observing and studying the Indo-Naga peace process, beginning from the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) in 2015.
He said developments surrounding the peace talks, including the October 31, 2019 deadline for concluding negotiations and the continuing uncertainty over the final settlement, compelled him to write the book.
According to Sandham, the book explored not only negotiations and agreements, but also expectations, missed opportunities, political complexities and the continuing search for an honourable and inclusive solution. Delivering her remarks, president of the Kohima Press Club, Vishu Rita Krocha, described the book as an important contribution to contemporary political discourse.
She said Sandham had consistently documented the complexities of the Naga political issue and added that the book would serve as both a historical record and a guide for readers seeking to understand the challenges and aspirations surrounding the peace process.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Menuseo Khieya while senior journalist Kopelo Krome proposed the vote of thanks.