Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in separate statements, welcomed the January 14, 2023 joint declaration of the NSCN (I-M) and the Working Committee of the NNPGs for their “unconditional commitment” to collaborate on the basis of their respective agreements (Framework Agreement and Agreed Position) towards “ the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.”
NDPP: NDPP through its media and communication committee said that the joint declaration titled “Nagas are moving ahead”, signed by NSCN (I-M) chairman Q. Tuccu and WC/NNPGs convenor N. Kitovi Zhimomi was a welcome development that would strengthen unity and understanding within the Naga family.
The party said the declaration was a significant step in response to the desire of the Naga people for oneness and genuine peace. Further NDPP also said it appreciated the wisdom, understanding and contributions of the leaders of all parties involved in making the joint statement a reality.
NDPP also lauded the “noble services rendered by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR)” towards the collective quest for lasting peace and progress.
While urging all sections to continue to uphold the negotiating parties in prayers, NDPP also reiterated its solidarity to the peace process so that a final solution to the vexed Naga political imbroglio was achieved at the earliest.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation president Kegwayhun Tep and general secretary Siipuni Ng Philo acknowledged that the joint declaration was a continuation of the September 14 ‘September Joint Accordant’, has paved the way for the formation of ‘Council of Naga Relationships and cooperation’ led by NNPGs convenor and NSCN (I-M) chairman, “to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights”.
NSF described the development as a booster for the Naga public to shed their differences and “ceaselessly work towards ensuring that lasting peace was brought about in our Naga homeland, through the healing of our spirits.”
NSF however, expressed dismay at the “continued delay tactics” adopted by the Government of India in the negotiation process to hammer out the differences with Naga negotiators pertaining to the “key core issues of the Naga National Flag and Constitution.”
NSF also reiterated its earlier stand that it would never accept a “forced solution” and that the impending negotiated solution should ensure that the dignity and rights of every single Naga soul was respected and upheld.
NSF therefore, demanded that the Centre exhibit utmost sincerity and commitment in the negotiation process so as to ensure that the aspiration of the Nagas for an inclusive, honorable and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga Political issue was brought about without any further delay.
While extending New Year greetings to the Naga people, NSF also fervently appealed to all to be mindful of individuals publicly indulging in rhetoric, either in words or actions, pertaining to the “Indo-Naga Political issue.”
NSF also urged upon all to zealously guard the Naga cause, which is legitimate, just, fair and righteous from the lure of these individuals, tirelessly scheming with the adversaries, to undermine it.
It reiterated that the distorted tales by the adversaries should not be allowed to confuse Nagas but instead, people should “fearlessly advocate our inalienable historical and political rights’ to the world at large.”
