ENLU-ENPO united front paramount for FNT talks—Along

Reiterates state cabinet’s message for ENLU and ENPO leaders to arrive at ‘proper understanding’

KOHIMA — Responding to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO)’s request for the state government’s stance on the draft Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) proposal, Minister Temjen Imna Along emphasised the need for a unified front between the ENPO and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU).

Speaking with journalists in Kohima, Along, who also serves as a government spokesperson, acknowledged the ENPO’s call for the state to submit its comments on the FNT draft proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, he stressed that the ENPO and ENLU, as elected representatives of Eastern Nagaland, should first engage in a ‘primary sitting’ and reach a consensus on the matter.

Maintaining that the government’s position has already been communicated, he said that the newly-elected ENPO team and ENLU leadership had previously met with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the state cabinet. Along reiterated the need for the ENPO and ENLU, as elected representatives of Eastern Nagaland, to “first have a primary sitting to deliberate on what is possible and what is not.” This approach, he stressed, would enable a more effective dialogue with the chief minister and the state cabinet.

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The minister went on to say that the state government, under Rio, has always aimed to be inclusive. However, what the Eastern Nagas want, their demands, and what can be accommodated— along with the impact on Nagaland’s social and traditional fabric— are of utmost importance to the chief minister and the state cabinet, he said.

Therefore, he emphasised, the state cabinet has consistently stressed to ENLU and ENPO leaders the need to arrive at a ‘proper understanding’ amongst themselves before bringing the matter up.

Along said that what the people of eastern Nagaland resonate with should be accurately represented by their elected members, “and that is what the cabinet and the chief minister expect from their elected leaders—the thought process of the people.”

Regarding the Working Committee (WC) of the NNPGs opposing the state’s request for a new appointment of an interlocutor for the Naga political issue, Along admitted that there can be differing viewpoints. However, as a facilitator in the ongoing dialogue, the state government, represented by all 60 NLA members and representatives from various political parties, has engaged in discussions through the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to determine the best path forward. This, he said, led to the request for a strong and decisive interlocutor to guide the process.

He also clarified that this stance does not imply any shortcomings on the part of the current interlocutor or the government of India representative. Rather, it reflects the desire for an individual with a more authoritative platform, empowered to make impactful decisions and expedite the peace process.

Before Delhi (the Centre) has responded, the Naga people should not be showing their resentment or taking different stands, but should come to a common ground and then talk with Delhi, he added.

Also read: FNT issue: ENPO clarifies; says ball not in ENLU’s court

Frontier Nagaland Territory: ENPO reminds Nagaland Government to submit comment on MOS draft