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Government of India’s interlocutor to Indo-Naga peace talks, RN Ravi (in the middle) with representatives of the working committee of 6 Naga national political groups in New Delhi on Wednesday.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 27 (EMN): Pouring confusion – and uncertainty – all over the Indo-Naga political talks, the government of India and representatives of six Naga national political groups (NNPGs) are said to have conducted what has been claimed as the “first round of political talks” to resolve the “protracted Indo-Naga political issue.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the working committee of the 6 NNPGs informed that the two parties have ‘officially began a political dialogue’ to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue. “The maiden round was held at New Delhi where RN Ravi, the interlocutor of the Indo-Naga peace talks met the eighteen member delegation led by convener of working committee, N Kitovi Zhimomi.
“RN Ravi welcomed the delegates and pointed out that the moment was a historic one for both the GOI and the Nagas as the effort was aimed towards resolving a seventy-year old political problem through dialogue. He stressed on the principle of equality, mutual respect and trust for resolving the issue. He urged the Naga delegation to be realistic and not dwell on rhetorics (sic).
“Pointing out that neither side can fool the other, being frank and brutally honest on all contentious issues would be in the interest of both entities. Despite the differences, he hoped that the GOI and the WC would work as partners and deliver the best political solution for both the GOI and the Naga people,” it stated.
Zhimomi was reported as acknowledging the ‘commitment and desire’ of Narendra Modi to settle the Indo-Naga issue. He also ‘acknowledged the wisdom and determination’ of Ravi ‘in recognising that the Indo-Naga political issue required a comprehensive political solution through dialogue with all stakeholders as opposed to factional solution’, it stated.
“Co-conveners of working committee namely: V Nagi, Wangtin Naga, Zhopra Vero, Kiumukam Yimchunger, Hozheto Chophy also supplemented the convener in appreciating the prime minister of India and the interlocutor for understanding the Nagas and the ground reality of present times. Desirous of the next round of political dialogue to be held in Nagaland, the Naga delegation extended invitation to the interlocutor RN Ravi to Nagaland, which would enable the Naga people to understand the seriousness and commitment of GOI to resolve the vexed issue.
“The next round of talks will be held in Nagaland next month i.e., October and is expected to touch serious and substantive issues. At this crucial stage in our turbulent history, the working committee (WC) of six NNPGs appeal for prayer support and solidarity of our people,” the statement read.