DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) (AM) and Myanmar’s National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) held talks in Nay Pyi Taw on October 22, discussing political aspirations, possible expansion of the Naga Self-Administered Zone, infrastructure development and cooperation towards regional peace.
According to The Global New Light of Myanmar, a government-owned English-language daily published in Yangon, the meeting was held at the Grand Amara Hotel following the NSCN-K (AM)’s expressed desire to participate in discussions on national unity and peacebuilding.
NSPNC chairman and Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Yar Pyae recalled that the Naga group had previously signed a bilateral ceasefire agreement. He said earlier discussions had covered local development, education, healthcare and transport infrastructure, and invited the group to submit its development needs for government consideration.
NSCN-K (AM) chairman U Ann Mai thanked the committee for inviting the group to the talks, describing the political dialogue as an important milestone towards sustainable peace. He expressed commitment to cooperation to improve education, healthcare, transport and economic development, and the socioeconomic well-being of local communities.
During the discussions, participants considered the possible submission of a proposal to the Hluttaw, in accordance with Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution, to include additional townships in the Naga Self-Administered Zone. They also discussed political aspirations for lasting peace under the government’s four policies, upgrading villages and village tracts to towns, identifying priority road sections and facilitating qualified local students’ access to universities, colleges and training institutes, particularly in education and healthcare.
NSPNC secretary Lt-Gen Min Naing discussed cooperation with the Tatmadaw and government departments on regional security and development. He also stressed the need for systematic supervision of armed group members to prevent actions that could undermine the peace process.
Both sides agreed to and signed the official record of the discussions. The meeting concluded with closing remarks by Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, a vote of thanks by U Ann Mai and an exchange of commemorative gifts.
