DIMAPUR, 31 Dec: Three Naga groups have come together and decided to pursue negotiations for a solution to the decades-old Naga political issue with the Centre jointly.
The decision was taken on Saturday during a meeting attended by leaders of the three groups – the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), led by Akato Chophy, the NSCN led by Khango, and the Naga National Council (NNC), led by Z Royim. All three are splinter groups.
“The three groups have come together to have a joint political venture in 2024,” said Akato, addressing journalists after the meeting here in the presence of leaders of the other two groups.
Asked if they have already approached the Centre with their decision to hold a dialogue, he said, “We have made separate approaches in the past but now we will make a joint effort on the Naga issue.”
Akato also affirmed that they would be holding a dialogue separate from the negotiations being held by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) with the Centre.
The NNPG is composed of only seven groups, while other Naga groups have been left out, he said, announcing that the three groups welcome like-minded organisations to join them for the cause of Nagas.
Stating that there is no nomenclature for the three groups who have come together, Akato said that they will approach the Centre for political talks.
The Naga political issue is considered the longest-running insurgency in the country. The Centre has been holding separate negotiations with the NSCN (IM) since 1997 and the WC NNPGs since 2017.
Eight years have passed since the signing of the acclaimed framework agreement on 3 August, 2015 with the NSCN (IM), and another six years have gone by following the inking of agreed position on 17 November, 2017 with the WC NNPGs.
The NSCN (IM) has remained adamant on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, as well as integration of Naga-inhabited areas spread over four states of India – Arunachal, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, and also Myanmar.
On the other hand, the WC of NNPGs has expressed its willingness to accept whatever is granted for now and continue with the talks.
Nonetheless, as of now, there is no significant development in the political negotiations between the Centre and the Naga groups. (PTI)
