Nagaland: PAC vows intensified push for Naga solution

Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the state government, which met
at Rhododendron Hall in Chümoukedima Saturday under the chairmanship of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deliberated on the longstanding Naga political issue. Addressing media persons after almost three-hour long meeting, deputy chief minister TR Zeliang said the meeting focused primarily on the Naga political issue and emphasized the need to intensify efforts this year to achieve tangible outcomes.
He clarified that while extensive discussions were held, no resolution was adopted. Further, Zeliang underscored the importance of creating a common Naga platform while noting that many NGOs and organizations were currently fragmented and often spoke independently on the Naga issue.
He stressed on the need for a single apex body that could represent the Naga people as a whole.
“While elected representatives functioned under the Constitution of India, civil society organizations should come together under one common platform so only one body articulates the Naga position,” he stated.
On the mushrooming of Naga political groups, Zeliang said this was precisely why the government was urging Naga tribal bodies and civil society to unite.
He further stressed that there could not be multiple solutions to the Naga issue and that all factions should be encouraged to come under one umbrella.
The deputy chief minister added that the objective was to bring Naga civil society together and facilitate dialogue among all NPGs through a common platform to work towards a single, acceptable solution.
Also, speaking to the media, Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, said that all members shared their views during the meeting. He reiterated that the committee had decided not to pass any resolution at this stage.
Kikon, however, said that there was a common understanding that the PAC would function as an active facilitator in pursuing the resolution of the Naga political issue.
“We will rigorously pursue it because this responsibility has been entrusted to us,” Kikon stated. He maintained that the committee was committed to playing a proactive role in moving the peace process forward.