Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Centre clear on �one solution� to Naga issue: Rio

By Bhadra Gogoi

DIMAPUR, Oct 15 - Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said the Government of India has made it clear that there would be only �one solution� to the Indo-Naga political issue.

Rio said this in his keynote address at a consultative meeting on the Naga political issue with tribal hohos, civil society organisations, political parties, prominent personalities and NGO representatives at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima.

Rio said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reiterated this at a meeting with him and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on September 19. He said they have been meeting leaders and representatives across all affiliations, including representatives of the Government of India, over the past years.

Opposition Naga People�s Front and the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee stayed away from the meeting.

Stressing that the message from the Government of India has been very clear, Rio said today�s consultative meeting was held to convey this message among others.

�We need to deliberate and support the peace process, strengthen the negotiations and facilitate the journey towards achievement of this �one solution� in the earliest time possible,� Rio stated.

The meeting was held in the backdrop of the Naga talks reaching a crucial stage. The Centre is holding parallel talks with the NSCN (I-M) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), a conglomeration of seven Naga political groups, to hammer out a solution to the Naga issue.

�Today�s gathering is not only historic, but it also sends out a clear message to the Government of India and the world that the Nagas want genuine peace and that we continue to strive towards oneness and unity as one Naga family. I am sure our voice and our desire will be heard across boundaries,� Rio said

Rio acknowledged the Naga history, but said he looked forward to the road map ahead.

�Today is perhaps not a day to dwell on history as we are all aware of our past. While it is important to understand and respect history, it is all the more crucial to focus on the road map ahead. We cannot allow ourselves to be tied down with history. We have to move forward,� he said.

Rio said if the Nagas as a people are to achieve progress and realise �our aspirations as a people, we must come together like today�. Rio said the only way forward is unity and oneness as one Naga family.

Rio extended collective appreciation and gratefulness to the Government of India for acknowledging the unique history and culture of the Naga people and for recognition of the Naga movement as a political movement. He also acknowledged the sacrifices and suffering of the Naga nationalist organisations.

Rio placed on record his gratitude towards the tribal hohos, mass-based civil societies, church organisations and NGOs for their consistent support and contributions towards the Naga cause and for making constant efforts towards reconciliation and oneness.

Next Story