GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity
PRESS STATEMENT
Hebron, 24th August, 2019
Given the seriousness of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in solving the Indo-Naga political conflict, the Nagas await the historic day when the final agreement will be signed. When Modi asked Interlocutor RN Ravi to finish the talks with the Naga negotiators within three (3) months, it become all the more interesting. This is the third time when the Modi led BJP government has come out with such an assuring tone. Accordingly, we have seen Ravi who is now holding the dual post of Nagaland Governor and Interlocutor speaking with much stronger passion to solve the Naga political problem that has hang on for too long.
As we look back the long journey of Indo-Naga political talks spanning over twenty two (22) years, the Government of India has done a great job to assure the Nagas that they deserve solution that is nothing less than honourable and acceptable. Giving official recognition to the unique history and situation of the Nagas is taken as the correct step towards this direction. This momentum finally led to the signing of the historic August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement.
This Framework Agreement which was initiated and signed by late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu has taken the Indo-Naga political talks to a critical stage. NSCN Chief Negotiator Th Muivah finally signed this indelible document during the official ceremony as it provides everything to give the Nagas an honourable settlement. Mr. RN Ravi as India’s interlocutor signed the document on behalf of the Government of India. It was signed with much fanfare witnessed by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi himself and other high dignitaries who matters, and live telecasted across the world.
Three (3) years is a long period but the Framework Agreement is yet to have its fruition as the Government of India is going slow in taking its stand on core issues. This changing situation and other developments compels NSCN Chairman Q. Tuccu and General Secretary Th. Muivah to write a letter to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi about the doubt and confusion raised by Naga people if an honourable political solution can be arrived at. This is in reference to the core issues like Naga flag and constitution which are yet to be agreed upon between the two parties. Without these two core issues solved, any solution would be far from honourable because Naga’s pride and identity is deeply entrenched here.
How beautiful things would have been if Ravi could have made his presence after being appointed as Nagaland Governor by working in tandem with the Indian Army (Assam Rifles/AR) and rein on them to exercise restraint from what they are doing now. The pictures are almost back to pre-ceasefire period with the ubiquitous AR showing up in aggressive postures. For more than four (4) months, AR personnel have stationed themselves at Doyapur near the designated Hebron Camp and moving around in the nearby villages, frisking commuters and raiding houses with cameras in hand. The villagers were harassed with uncomfortable questions giving them much mental unrest. As days passed, AR have become more unruly and going towards the direction to sow seeds of another bloody conflicts with the Nagas.
Now, leaving aside Doyapur areas, the AR personnel are seen in many areas of Dimapur frisking passerby and entering residential areas taking photographs. Such manner of intensified operation by AR makes the whole scenario unbecoming of Ravi’s search for the earliest solution as advised by Prime Minister Mr. Modi. Conducive atmosphere without the belligerent AR is the desire of the people in general and NSCN in particular in this critical period. All said and done, we strongly condemn the AR for the unwarranted frisking operations across Dimapur. This eye sore has to be done away with.
Issued by MIP