Rally in Chümoukedima seeks ‘logical conclusion’ to Indo-Naga peace talks

Dimapur, Nov 19: A rally under the banner of the Naga Common Platform pressed for a solution to the vexed Indo-Naga issue at Chumoukedima on Tuesday. It also resolved to urge the Centre for a political solution based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position for lasting peace in the Naga areas.

The Centre signed the Framework Agreement with the NSCN (I-M) in 2015 and the Agreed Position with the working committee of the Naga National Political Groups in 2017.

The Nagaland Gaonbura Federation Peace Committee, along with Naga apex civil society groups, had organised the rally. Adopting a three-point resolution, the NCP unanimously resolved to support the landmark agreements signed with the NSCN (I-M) and the working committee of Naga National Political Groups.

It said 28 years of political negotiation are a huge burden on the peace-loving people.

“We strongly urge the Naga negotiators and the Government of India to listen to the cry of the stakeholders and collectively bring the talks to their logical conclusion with a comprehensive agreement,” the resolution read.

Hundreds of people attended the rally with placards reading ‘Settle Naga political issue for posterity’, ‘Resolve the Naga political issue based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position’, ‘Stop ignoring Naga political issue’, etc.

Addressing the rally, KK Sema, spokesperson of Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum and former IAS officer, clarified that this common platform is not intended to challenge any society. He said the Naga problem cannot go on unresolved forever, with the ‘national tax’ imposed by the Naga groups destroying the livelihood of the common people who earn their daily bread with hard work.

“We honestly want peace for our children’s future,” he added.

Shikuto Zalipu, convener of the organising committee, wondered why a solution could not be provided to the Naga people despite the agreement signed 10 years back.