WC-NNPG, NSCN (IM) declare ‘unconditional commitment’ to collaborate for settlement of Naga political issue

In yet another positive development since the signing of the “Joint Accordant” in September last year, the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) on Saturday declared their “unconditional commitment” to work together for the resolution of the protracted Naga political issue.

This was informed in a joint statement — “Nagas are moving ahead” — signed by the Convenor of WC-NNPG, N Kitovi Zhimomi, and Chairman of NSCN (IM), Q Tuccu.

“In times of crises in the Naga movement, Nagas have always survived. Today, the loud chorus of the day from different directions converge us to action for the shared future of the Nagas,” read the joint statement issued after a meeting initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).

It maintained that the parties had, in October last year, agreed to form a Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation (CNRC) led by the convener of WC-NNPG and the chairman of NSCN (IM), “to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights.”

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“In affirmation of this position, the NNPGs and the NSCN on this day declare our unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis of our respective agreements, with immediate effect, for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India,” read the statement.

“To the Naga people, we appeal to you to stand with us to prevent any further division of our shared belonging. This statement is a political speech of the undeniable Naga soul,” it added.

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It may be mentioned that the leaders of WC-NNPG and NSCN (IM) met on September 14 last year and signed a “Joint Accordant” under the initiative of the FNR, resolving to work together and find ways to transcend their differences. It was followed by a two-day meeting in October between the delegations of the two groups in Kolkata, where they decided to form CNRC in an attempt to explore ways to seal a final settlement.