Unifying Voices: Naga Leaders and AK Mishra Seek Urgent Peace Solutions
In a pivotal development aimed at resolving the long-standing Naga Political Issue, AK Mishra, the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, conducted essential closed-door meetings on Wednesday with various Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), including a notable discussion with NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah at Camp Hebron.
The discussions resumed after Mishra’s arrival in Chümoukedima on Tuesday evening and focused on creating a comprehensive execution plan for an early and inclusive resolution. In a significant shift, Naga groups have expressed a commitment to set aside their past differences in pursuit of achieving a unified solution.
Isak Sumi, the working convener of the Working Committee of the NNPGs (WC-NNPGs), highlighted the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including political groups, civil society organizations, tribal leaders, and religious institutions, in this process. He acknowledged previous shortcomings in unity among political factions, stating, “For too long, the Naga people have been kept in suspense. Disappointment and disillusionment have crept in due to the delay.” Sumi offered an apology for prioritizing specific group interests over the collective Naga interest.
Sources indicate that discussions touched upon the ‘Agreed Position’ established by the NNPGs and the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed by the NSCN-IM. Despite these separate documents, leaders expressed optimism about their eventual convergence. P Tikhat, a member of the Working Committee, clarified, “We did not come here to claim ownership of the Agreed Position. We came here as Naga leaders to push for a solution.”
Echoing similar sentiments, NSCN President Wangtin Naga affirmed that although two separate agreements exist, both aim for a unified purpose and will ultimately lead to a single solution. Leaders emphasized that internal differences within the WC-NNPGs should not hinder broader peace efforts. C Singson, another leader from the WC-NNPGs, pointed out that delays are not solely the Centre’s responsibility, as internal disunity among Naga political groups also plays a role. He stated, “It’s time for forgiveness, for acceptance. The Naga issue belongs to the people, not any one group.”
Ghukiho T Zhimomi, secretary of the Kitovi-led group, described the meeting as “very interesting,” driven by the objective of securing an early and honorable solution to the Naga problem. The Centre previously signed a ceasefire with NSCN-IM in 1997, leading to multiple rounds of discussions and the Framework Agreement in August 2015. However, the NSCN-IM’s ongoing demands for a separate Naga flag and constitution, along with the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, have hindered a final resolution.
Simultaneously, the Centre began negotiations with the WC-NNPGs, a coalition of seven Naga groups, in 2017, which resulted in the Agreed Position in November of that year. The WC-NNPGs have indicated their willingness to accept feasible agreements and continue discussions on remaining issues.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/nagaland/nagaland-ak-mishra-meets-th-muivah-naga-groups-vow-unity-for-early-peace-solution.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-11 23:29:00