Nagaland PAC renews demand for a ministerial-level interlocutor, plans stakeholder consultations to advance the Naga peace process towards settlement
KOHIMA — The Nagaland government's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on Tuesday renewed its demand for the appointment of a ministerial-level interlocutor to advance the Naga peace process and resolved to engage stakeholders to chart a roadmap towards an early political settlement.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the PAC chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the Chief Minister's Residential Complex in Kohima.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, PAC Member Secretary and Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye said the committee reviewed the resolutions adopted at its previous meetings held on September 12, 2024, and in September 2025 at Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima.
Kenye clarified that the meeting was attended only by the 28 members of the PAC and not by representatives of political parties, adding that a notification to this effect was issued on July 31, 2026.
"It was only a brief meeting. We took stock of the developments over the past 24 months and resolved to stand by the same position adopted in our earlier meetings," he said.
The PAC reiterated its stand that the Centre should appoint a ministerial-level interlocutor for the ongoing peace talks. "It has to be taken to its logical conclusion. Unless the interlocutor is at the ministerial level, the parties involved in the talks are not very confident. Even the state government is not sure that our concerns will be effectively conveyed," Kenye said, adding that the Centre had earlier assured the state government that it would consider the demand.
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On stakeholder consultations, Kenye said the government would first prepare the ground before initiating discussions. “All Nagas are stakeholders in this issue. We do not want to antagonise anyone or hurt anybody's sentiments. We appeal to everyone to tone down charges and counter-charges because the blame game will not help us move forward," he said.
Asked about the recent statement by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) seeking clarity on legislative powers for FNTA before August 15, Kenye said the matter was not discussed during the PAC meeting as it focused exclusively on the Naga political issue.
However, he appealed to all organisations to exercise patience. "We are at the threshold of something pleasant and hopefully that should answer our aspirations. After decades of waiting, a few more weeks or months should not make a difference if it leads to a viable solution beneficial to all," he said.
On reports of a breakaway from NSCN (IM) leading to the formation of NSCN (Eastern Flank), Kenye said the government was closely monitoring the developments but would refrain from commenting until the facts were verified.
Referring to the 10th anniversary of the Framework Agreement between the government of India and NSCN (IM), and the group's reiteration that it would not deviate from the accord, Kenye said the position was understandable. "They are the signatories to the agreement, so it is natural for them to maintain that position. We are okay with that," he added.