The Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) working committee on Friday said that the defining moment for announcing an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga issue is approaching.
“The Centre will not wait for anyone anymore. Only one solution to the Naga issue is the desire of both the Centre and the Naga people,” the statement added.
The committee held talks with Naga interlocutor RN Ravi at Chumukedima police complex on Thursday.
“The Naga issue must be settled and the waiting period is over. The Centre is initiating necessary steps,” the committee said.
The committee further stated that the interlocutor has affirmed that the Centre was taking forward the decision of the Naga groups taken on October 31, 2019-, the day when the Naga talks were “concluded”.
The Committee further said that the Centre had acknowledged that the Naga tribes and civil societies have spelt out their position on the Indo-Naga political issue.
In a reciprocal manner, it is determined to fulfil the political aspiration of the Naga people, the statement said.
It said both the Centre and the working committee felt that the unity of the Nagas at this time is critical.
It said its cordial engagement with neighbouring communities, which should be continued, was appreciated by the Government of India because any outcome will affect all in the neighbourhood.
The committee said it had disclosed the status papers of the negotiations to the Naga tribes, elected representatives of the past and present, Naga civil societies and the church leaders.
“This has created a positive impact as it has proven to be the only practical approach to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue. The solution is a Naga solution. It is going to be a people’s solution,” it stated.
The committee said it had conveyed to the interlocutor that the Intangki reserved forest is the common property of all Nagas and it will be restored to its original pristine position. It cannot, in whatsoever manner, be disturbed post solution, it said.
In his response, Ravi said Intangki reserved forest belongs to the people of Nagaland and the Centre has no say in the land and natural resources of the Nagas. “This is one aspect of the sovereign rights of the Nagas,” the committee said.
It appealed for prayer support from the Naga people till an acceptable and honourable political solution is declared.