Nagaland legislators lobby before solution for Christmas

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval seeks suggestion of Nagaland govt. to enable solution before Christmas

Dimapur, Nov. 5 (EMN): The National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval has reportedly asked suggestions – from a delegation of Nagaland ministers led by the chief minister – concerning steps the central government could take towards providing a solution to the Indo-Naga negotiation before Christmas.

This was stated in a press release issued by the chief minister’s office on Sunday. According to the statement, Doval solicited said suggestions during a meeting with Chief Minister TR Zeliang and “his colleagues in DAN cabinet” on Sunday.

“He mentioned that everyone wishes for an early solution and it is important to look at what one can do towards achieving that objective. He also asked the state ministers to suggest what all can government of India do for a solution before Christmas. He emphasized that once the agreement is reached it will be essential for all concerned to build the right socio-political environment to make all stakeholders join hand for successful implementation of the agreement,” the statement read.

Doval was reported as saying that “advise (sic) of the state government will be fully considered by government of India”. The meeting with Doval was part of a series of discussion between central leaders and elected representatives from Nagaland led by the chief minister and Lok Sabha member, Neiphiu Rio.

According to the statement, Zeliang “mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations for the 70 year old Naga political issue”. He reminded Doval that ‘this has been the mother of all unresolved challenges in the Northeast’ region.

“Given the progress made and specially (sic) with the involvement of the six NNPG groups along with NSCN (IM) in the talks, this is the most opportune time for a solution,” it reported Zeliang as saying.

Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Imkong Imchen was also reported as suggesting the state elections in Nagaland could be “deferred” in the interest of a solution to the Indo-Naga talks.

On Saturday, another delegation of elected representatives led by the chief minister and the Lok Sabha MP met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the statement informed. Bhaskar Khulbe, IAS, Secretary to Prime Minister was also present in the meeting.

Zeliang appreciated the leadership and vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ‘for having ensured that we are very near to the final settlement’ of Naga political issue. “…with the state scheduled to have assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of Naga political issue is done before the elections”.

Rio was also reported as saying ‘this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas’.

The delegation apprised Singh of their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and R N Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga Peace talks. “Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the initiative of chief minister Nagaland and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga political issue will be done soon”.

Meeting with NNPG members

On the same evening, the chief minister along with his entire cabinet members and the Lok Sabha MP also met the working group of 6 NNPGs who were recently included in the Indo-Naga talk. “The leaders of the NNPGs present in the meeting included N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener (of the) working committee; and co-conveners Zhopra Vero, Hozheto Chophy, V Nagi, Kiumukam and Wangtin Naga; and Alezo Venuh, envoy. The meeting was held at Nagaland House, 29 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.”

Zeliang appreciated the ‘initiative of involving the six NNPGs in the talks as it is essential for an inclusive and durable solution to the long standing Naga political issue that all groups and sections of society are involved and taken on board’.

“He complimented the leaders of the NNPGs for their vision and maturity in joining the talks and hoped that with the sincerity being shown by government of India, the final settlement seems to be very near.”

The delegation also apprised the NNPG leaders if their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, R N Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga Peace talks and Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO.

Kitovi Zhimomi appreciated the ‘efforts made by chief minister, Nagaland and his colleagues in ensuring that government of India involves the six NNPGs in the talks’, it stated.

“He further highlighted the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga Political issue will be done before elections. Wangtin (Naga) and other leaders also impressed upon chief minister and all leaders to continue working towards ensuring a final settlement of Naga political issue that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all for long standing peace in the state”.