At a time when Nagaland is heading towards the State Assembly polls, the NSCN-IM and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) in a joint statement cautioned ‘vested interests’ and ‘unscrupulous persons’ not to sabotage the historical processes of negotiations over the Naga issue by filing nominations.
In the joint statement, Hukavi Yepthomi, Kilo Kilonser (Home Minister), NSCN-IM and Alezo Venuh, member, NNPG stated: “The intensive negotiations going on between the Government of India and the Naga political groups, the negotiating groups are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that an honourable and acceptable solution is evolved on time in the interest of the Naga people.”
They also appreciated all the political parties, both national and regional, for ‘responding positively to their stand – ‘Solution, Not Election’.
They also stated: “The negotiators are indeed overwhelmed by the unstinted support of our people particularly at this juncture when the Nagas are once again put to test.”
They also expressed their appreciation to all the tribal hohos and civil society organizations for their “immeasurable services rendered towards building oneness”.
Yepthomi and Venuh in the joint statement said: “When Naga people as a whole have made the collective decision to forgo election, we caution vested interest and unscrupulous persons not to sabotage the historical processes of negotiations by filing nominations and indulging in election process.”
The joint statement was issued following a joint meeting held on Sunday at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur. The joint meeting was organised by the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisatlons.
In another statement issued by Theja Therieh, Convenor and Joel Naga, Secretary of CCNTHCO, the CCNTHCO appreciated the two negotiating groups – the NSCN-lM and the NNPGs Working Committee for coming together and issuing a joint statement on ‘Solution, Not Election’.
Informing that a joint meeting will be held on January 29, 2018 to discuss the Naga issue, Therieh and Naga in their statement said, “Since all the political parties, both national and regional, have made known their firm commitment not to participate In the forthcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, as per the consultative meetings held on January 25 and 27, 2018, the CCNTHCO once again reminds all the political parties to attend the joint meeting to be held at Hotel Japfu in Kohima at 11 am on January 29, 2018.”
Apart from the political parties, the negotiating groups, – the NSCN (IM) and the NNPGs – would be participating in the joint meeting.
Presidents and general secretaries of all the political parties, 7 members each from the NSCN-IM and NNPG5, and president and general secretary of all the apex tribal hohos and civil society organisations have been asked to attend the joint meeting.