Nagaland political parties asked to clarify position on Indo-Naga issue

Dimapur, Oct. 27 (EMN): The working committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has asked the political parties of Nagaland to spell out their position on the Indo-Naga issue. In a statement issued on Sunday, the committee pointed out that the Nagaland political parties had also met the Union Government asking for an early solution. “Immediately after the general elections, the tribal bodies met the interlocutor and assured their support for an early solution and accordingly GoI decided to conclude the ongoing negotiations within three months time with the deadline of October 31. “Any unresolved matters should be decided through political and democratic process after the agreement comes into force. This position was widely accepted and endorsed at the meeting of October 18 between the interlocutor and tribal bodies along with all stakeholders,” it stated. Stating that it has been 22 years of ceasefire now, the committee wondered why the “negotiating parties” did not address the issue of flag, constitution and integration in the initial years. “It is threatening to derail the 22 years or negotiations between GoI and NSCN (IM). Three months was enough to work any crisis. This is most unfortunate,” read the statement. According to the committee, the government of India decided to act “on the deadline as demanded by Naga legislators and tribal leaders”. “It is time for the elected leaders who have taken oath of office and secrecy under the Constitution of India to come forward and clearly express their stand. The position and status of elected representatives of Nagaland cannot remain lukewarm. They cannot choose to hide behind the boulders blocking the way. “Naga tribes have spelled out their position. If Nagaland political parties fail in their constitutional duties and obligations, they should resign and allow ECI to derecognise the parties. It is time for political parties in Nagaland to clear their positions in the interest of the Naga people,” it stated.