A year passed since signing of Framework Agreement
Dimapur, August 3: Nagaland MP Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged the government of India to expedite the ongoing Naga peace talks in an inclusive and transparent manner and bring a political settlement as early as possible. He also appealed to all members of Parliament, cutting across all political parties, to support and partner in the quest for peace, brotherhood and nation building.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rio, who has thrice served as Nagaland chief minister, said that the issue should be settled fast.
“It has been 19 years since the ceasefire agreement was signed and the formal talk at the highest level was initiated. Till date, more than hundred rounds of talks have been held but they are yet to reach a logical conclusion. How much longer must the talk continue before we reach the final settlement?” asked Rio.Stating that unless the issue was addressed with utmost seriousness and the Centre treated it as a national crisis, the situation could deteriorate and spin out of control again.
“The time is more than ripe for the Naga peace process to be resolved. The Naga people have been crying out for permanent peace and the masses are longing for a final settlement that will usher in an era of development and progress. Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is the presence of Justice. Therefore, a settlement that is honourable and acceptable to the people, democratic in nature and one that upholds justice and truth. This will not only ensure stability in the region, but also strengthen Indian democracy” said Rio.
The Naga Peace Accord, also known as the Naga Framework Agreement was inked on Aug 3, 2015 between NSCN (IM) and the Indian Government, aiming to end the six decade long conflict in the state.
The MP in his speech said, “ On this day, under the bold and dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the historic Naga Peace Accord, known as the Framework Agreement, was signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) in the presence of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.”
Rio said, the Prime Minister observed that the Nagas represent the highest level of humanism and that the Naga values should constitute the foundation of the society that we all seek. On 25th July, 1997, the Government of India signed a ceasefire agreement with Naga Political Groups which has held till today. The leaders of the NSCN (IM) have discussed the Naga issue with different Prime Ministers of India including P.V. Narasimha Rao, Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and the present Prime Minister Modi having acknowledged the Naga issue as political and the unique history of the Naga people.”
