Nagaland assembly resolves to unitedly work for resolution of protracted Naga problem

Kohima, Feb 18 : The Nagaland Legislative Assembly
on Thursday adopted a four-point resolution on decades old
Naga political struggle with the 60-member House resolving to
work unitedly in facilitating ongoing negotiations for a final
solution between the Centre and Naga political groups.
The union government has been holding two separate parleys
with the Naga negotiators NSCN(IM) since 1997 and Naga
National Political Groups (NNPGs) comprising of seven groups
since 2017.

The centre signed the framework agreement with NSCN(IM)
on August 3, 2015 and also entered into an agreed position
with NNPGs in December 2017.
However, the final conclusion of the talks is yet to be
achieved.

The assembly resolution on Naga political issue was moved
by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and seconded by Leader of
Opposition T R Zeliang following a day-long discussion in the
house Tuesday.

The resolution was drafted by a seven-member all-party
committee which was unanimously constituted two days back.
The resolution states that "in honouring and adhering to
the voice of the people, the august house endorses and
reiterates all the past resolutions of the Nagaland
Legislative Assembly on the Naga political issue, and resolves
to work unitedly in facilitating the Indo-Naga political
negotiations".

The assembly appreciated the continued efforts made by
the central government to resolve the Naga problem through
peaceful means and for acknowledging the unique history and
identity of the Nagas by upholding the Naga political talks.
The members also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts
made by all Naga political groups, political parties, civil
society organisations, the churches and NGOs towards finding a
peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.

The house also appealed to all to continue working
towards strengthening Naga unity, and come together in the
spirit of oneness for larger interest of the Naga people.
Notably, on October 31, 2019 the Interlocutor for Naga
peace talks and Governor of Nagaland, R N Ravi had declared
that the talks have concluded.

The assembly in its resolution further "urged the
Government of India and the Naga political groups to sit
across the table for the conclusion of the political
negotiation that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable to
the people as 'One solution' without any further delay".
Subsequently, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer put the
resolution to vote which was unanimously adopted by voice
vote.