Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 6 (EMN): Government of India’s Interlocutor for the Naga talks and chairman Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), RN Ravi on Thursday indicated the Centre and the NSCN (IM), who have entered into fresh rounds of negotiation after signing a “framework agreement” in 2015, were close to ink a final agreement.
“We are close to solution and we wanted to have one more round of consultation with the civil society,” Ravi told reporters upon his arrival at de Oriental Grand, Kohima.
He said he was here to hear their views, positions and perceptions of the civil societies on the Naga issue.
On whether more such consultations could be expected in the near future, he said he was hopeful that he would come back when ‘the agreement is done’.
When asked about reports that the Centre was likely to ask the Myanmar government to revoke its ceasefire with the NSCN (K), he tersely said, “No”.
On Thursday, Ravi called on Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu at the latter’s official residence. Later in the evening, Ravi met representatives of eight organisations including the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Nagaland Tribes Council, Rengma Hoho, Angami Public Organisation (APO) and WAPO, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Senior Citizens Forum and Nagaland Gorkha Association. Although Kohima-based media persons sought for a brief interview with him, they were denied on the grounds that such meeting was not on the itinerary of the visiting official.
NMA advisor Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, who was present at the meeting with Ravi, said the NMA conveyed its protest on the “unnecessary extension of the AFSPA by the Government of India in the midst of peace talks” and has also raised concerns on the ongoing ban against the NSCN (K) while encouraging peaceful dialogue.
The NMA is also said to have stressed on its continued support to the peace process, an inclusive settlement for peace taking cognisance of all stakeholders, and one which is also gender sensitive and recognises the inherent rights of Naga women as equal citizens of the society.
NSF president Kesosül Christopher Ltu, who also met the Centre’s Interlocutor said the student body has reiterated its earlier appeal for a logical and inclusive conclusion to the Naga political issue, one which is honourable and acceptable to all the Nagas.
Meanwhile, Ravi is scheduled to have a round of meetings with more Naga civil organisations on Friday at Police Complex, Chumukedima, including the Naga Hoho, ACAUT, UNC, CNTC, Naga Council Dimapur, Tirap-Chaglang-Longding People’s Forum, Indigenous Minority Tribes Nagaland, UNTABA and GBs Association Nagaland among others.
