NSCN (R) president Y Wangtin Naga categorically asserted that there was only one legitimate Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC/NNPGs), of which even N Kitovi Zhimomi was also a part.
Wangtin said this while addressing the media after installation ceremony of WC/NNPGs convener MB Neokpao and working conveners– Isak Sumi and P Tikhak Naga.
Wangtin also reminded all that there was only one Agreed Position (AP), adding that the position on signing the AP was continuing that would never be changed, and there was no new agenda.
He clarified that after Kitovi was impeached by his party (GPRN/NSCN), he was no longer a member of the NNPGs. But, he claimed that the WC/NNPGs tried its best to convince him not to form a new group, since AP had already been signed and talks were over.
“However after more than 10 months of talks with him to make him a member of the NNPGs, and even after offering him the position of adviser, Kitovi did not respond. Now, forming a new group by him is very unfortunate,” he remarked. But, he said the WC/NNPGs still felt that Kitovi could be an adviser.
Meanwhile, working convener ‘col.’ (retd) Isak Sumi clarified that the installation of Neokpao was not a restructuring, but part of a continuous process initiated since the dialogue with the central government began.
He mentioned that all Naga Political Groups (NPGs) involved in the peace process were equal stakeholders, and installing a leader was aimed at maintaining decorum, adding that divisions were of no concern.
Isak also downplayed concerns over divisions within NNPGs, stating that minor difficulties were normal within a family and could be resolved. On the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) from the Indo-Myanmar border, Isak pointed out that Naga-inhabited areas were already covered under existing agreements. He revealed that a proposal had been sent to the centre to extend the FMR from 16 km to 36 km, which had already been accepted in principle. He stated that once the AP was implemented, the problem of FMR would not arise.
On the rise of multiple NPGs, Isak acknowledged that it was a challenge, terming it as a stumbling block. Mentioning that not every NPG might be working in the interest of the Naga people, he called upon all the Nagas to start contemplating on it, also urging them to take ownership of the Naga issue, rather than leaving it solely to the NPGs.
As the 60 MLAs were Nagas by blood, Isak hoped that they were also concerned about the Naga issue, and called upon them to provide proper feedback to the central government and stand for an urgent resolution.
Referring to the delay in solution, WC/NNPGs co-convener and GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser Alezo Venuh acknowledged the delay and also differences within NPGs, noting that the Nagas were growing impatient.
Questioned about any roadmap for a common agreement, he replied that the WC, NNPGs and NSCN (I-M) had already signed agreements, adding that responsibility now lay with the central government.
On the role of the state government, he urged the state government to take a firm stand.
Working convener P Tikhak Naga said the appointment of a new convener had become a necessity for the NNPGs. He urged all the Nagas to work collectively, emphasising that the Naga issue belonged to everyone.