NE states on board on Naga solution

October 14, 2020 95 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR/GUWAHATI, OCT 13 (NPN) : The Centre has taken all the North Eastern states into confidence on the Naga peace issue and it is unlikely that there will be any contention among them, NEDA convenor and Assam Health and Finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has convened a crucial meeting with different social organisations and stakeholders on October 15 and the Centre’s position would be made clear to them, Sarma said at a press conference here. He therefore reiterated that the October 15 consultative meet on Naga issue will be extremely crucial.

“There should be smooth sailing of the Naga issue. The government of India has taken into confidence all the concerned North Eastern states on the issue,” said Sarma, the convenor of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). Indicating that integration of Naga contiguous areas is not a possibility, Sarma said the Northeast states would not have any problems with the final solution.

“Now we know each other’s position clearly and so it is unlikely that there will be an issue among the states in the Northeast,” he said.

“I strongly feel if Naga leadership wants to sign the accord, this is the right time. I once again appeal to them that they should sign the agreement and lead Nagaland to a durable solution. The entire North East is looking forward to it,” said Sarma. Asked about the agreement, Sarma said, “I have not seen the agreement but we are not negotiating. We are there to ensure that the sailing is smooth.”

It may be mentioned that the state government has called for a consultative meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the Naga political issue and the ongoing peace talks between the “Naga national political organisations and the Government of India” on October 15, at 10 a.m. in the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex Kohima.

The state government expressed the view that ceasefire and negotiations between the “Naga political organizations and the Government of India” has been going on for more than two decades and the Naga people have been crying out for peace and political solution.

It maintained that the political issue needed to be addressed with utmost urgency by all sections of the people in order to facilitate the early achievement of peace with all seriousness.

In this regard, all tribal hohos, mass-based organisations, civil societies, church organisations, political parties, NGOs, prominent persons etc. have been invited to attend the meeting.

In statement on September, the opposition NPF acknowledged Government of India for roping in Sarma to participate in resolving the Naga issue and bring peace in the region.

Opposition leader and Political Affairs Mission convenor, T.R. Zeliang remarked that Sarma’s involvement was a big boon for the Nagas and the North East as he (Sarma) “understands and knows the sentiments of the people of the region.”

Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that Assam Finance minister and convenor NEDA in a tweet on August 5 stated that he had “received a call from Hon HM Sri @AmitShah to discuss about issues pertaining to enduring peace in #NorthEast… This sets a benchmark for us all…”

It may also be pertinent to note that Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Himanta Sarma had also met in Delhi in August last and reportedly discussed about the Naga issue.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/ne-states-on-board-on-naga-solution/223152.html