Ravi-NNPGs meet postponed; one of NSCN (IM)’s negotiators joins NNPGs camp

[caption id="attachment_279436" align="alignnone" width="550"] Hukavi Yeputhomi (centre) after joining the NNPGs camp in New Delhi.[/caption] Our Reporter Dimapur, Oct. 25: Talks between the working committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and interlocutor RN Ravi, which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Friday, in the latest round of Indo-Naga parleys, could not be held. Confirming this to Eastern Mirror, the convener of working committee, N Kitovi Zhimomi informed that the meeting will be held next week. According to Zhimomi, the NNPGs have now become the ‘mouthpiece of the people’. He also confirmed that Hukavi Yeputhomi, a senior NSCN (IM) leader and also a member of the group’s negotiating team, has joined the working committee of NNPGs on the evening of October 24. “The day Hukavi found out that the chief negotiator of the NSCN (IM) was not ready to accept the reality, and some differences occurred in their approach and opinion, he decided to leave,” said Zhimomi, adding that the ‘new member of the committee wanted to make his approach very practical’. Zhimomi further claimed that other members also were not happy with the chief negotiator “because they know that the people are being fooled”. “For how long will they fool our people and keep them in the dark?” questioned Zhimomi. “The government of India has acknowledged the uniqueness of Naga political history and decided to peacefully coexist; the NNPGs was stringent that the government of India recognise the political rights of the Nagas and have every right to self-determine their future,” Zhimomi said. He went on to say: “At this point of time, we have decided to work out the differences in relationship and how to peacefully coexist considering the contemporary political reality.” Meanwhile, Hukavi Yeputhomi along with 16 former NSCN (IM) members issued a joint statement on Friday evening announcing their joining of the NNPGs camp. “We are convinced that the interest, pursuit and potential of future Naga generations must not be jeopardised by unresolved symbolic issues when negotiating parties have long come to terms that sovereignty and integration were not possible at present. “The geo-political situation demand the Nagas to be pragmatic at this juncture of our struggle. It is crystal clear that WC NNPGs have been practical and realistic in their negotiation with the GoI. We agree that unresolved contentious issues must be pursued earnestly post solution politically and democratically,” read the statement. They also expressed utmost respect to NSCN (IM) leaders Q Tuccu and Th Muivah. According to Yeputhomi, “our chief negotiator would remain insensitive to our people's plea for honourable and acceptable solution.” “My decision is based on our people's desire for a peaceful coexistence between Nagaland and India. We bear no malice against anyone and hope that our decision would be respected.” The names mentioned in the statement were: Hukavi Yeputhomi, Atoshe Yepthomi, Vikato Zhimo, Hokiye Wotsa, Vikato, Khehoto, Khetoshe, Khehoyi, Vishiho, Khelusie Angami, lnakhu, Kahuto, Puloto, Akali Tatar, Kishet, Aloto Ayemi and Aviketo Zhimomi.