Should the Nagaland government request the Centre for a political-level interlocutor in Naga peace talks?

Kohima, Aug 3 (NationPress) The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Government has made a call to the Centre to enhance the Naga peace talks to a significant political tier by appointing an interlocutor of either political or ministerial status, one that carries the confidence and mandate of the government, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

A spokesperson from the Nagaland government stated that the PAC, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, resolved that the peace discussions should be resumed at a political level to accelerate the negotiation process.

This critical PAC meeting took place on Monday, chaired by the Chief Minister.

It was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton, other ministers, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, advisors to the Chief Minister, and MLAs.

The spokesperson mentioned that the PAC also reaffirmed the resolutions established during the Consultative Meeting on September 12, 2024, in Kohima, which included participation from all stakeholders such as Tribal Hohos, civil society representatives, mass-based organizations, church bodies, NGOs, gazetted officers, unions, student bodies, and various political parties.

The PAC expressed appreciation towards the negotiating parties, including the Government of India and Naga Political Groups, for their ongoing dialogue, which has upheld the principles of the ceasefire agreements while ensuring no breakdown occurred despite numerous challenges faced over the past twenty years.

The high-powered committee urged all sections of Naga society to make additional efforts towards fostering unity and solidarity to encompass all stakeholders of the peace process in a spirit of understanding.

During the PAC meeting, members agreed to make renewed efforts toward the unity of Naga society.

Additionally, they resolved to appeal to all Naga political factions and national workers to avoid further factionalism, the establishment of breakaway groups, or the formation of new organizations, as noted by the spokesperson.

A.K. Mishra, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Northeast affairs, has conducted a series of discussions with various Naga groups, including the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).

Prior to becoming Tamil Nadu Governor in September 2021, former Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi served as the interlocutor in the Naga peace talks.

Since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 1997, the Union government has been engaged in political negotiations with the NSCN-IM and other Naga factions, and also signed the significant Framework Agreement in 2015.

The government has also pursued parallel negotiations with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), which represents at least seven Naga factions, beginning in 2017.

They signed the Agreed Position in November 2017, while the NSCN-IM has steadfastly maintained its demands for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, as well as the integration of Naga-inhabited areas across four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, in addition to Myanmar.

These demands have been rejected by the government on several occasions.