Kohima, Aug 4 (PTI) The Nagaland Government’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on Tuesday reiterated its demand for a ministerial-level interlocutor to advance the Naga political talks and said it would soon engage stakeholders to prepare a roadmap for the peace process.
Interacting with reporters after a closed-door meeting of the PAC held at Chief Minister’s Residential Office here, state government Spokesperson and Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K G Kenye, said the committee reviewed developments since its previous meetings and resolved to continue pursuing the stand it had adopted earlier.
“The PAC members met today at 10 am. It was attended by all 28 members. We took stock of the resolutions adopted in our previous meetings and the developments over the last 24 months. After reviewing the situation, we resolved to remain with the same stand we had adopted earlier,” Kenye said.
He said the committee would now work out modalities to engage stakeholders before unveiling “something concrete” in the form of a roadmap to advance efforts towards resolving the protracted Naga political issue.
Responding to a query, Kenye confirmed that the PAC had reiterated its demand for the Centre to appoint a ministerial-level interlocutor, saying the issue must be taken “to its logical conclusion.” “When we sought a ministerial-level interlocutor, it was not a simple decision. Unless the interlocutor is at that level, the parties involved in the talks are not very confident, and even the government is not certain that our concerns will be effectively conveyed. The Centre has assured us that it is looking into our demand,” he said.
On engaging other political parties and stakeholders, Kenye said the government would require some time to prepare the ground before initiating wider consultations.
“The entire Naga public are stakeholders in this issue because it concerns the future of the Nagas. We have a lot of homework to do, and given the sensitivity of the issue, we do not want to antagonise anyone or hurt anybody’s sentiments,” he said.
Appealing for restraint, the minister urged all stakeholders to avoid blame games and instead focus on achieving a solution.
“There are accusations from every corner, but we must tone down the charges and counter-charges. Let us focus on what is best for our people and for the future,” he added.
On reports of the formation of an “Eastern Flank” within the NSCN-IM, Kenye said the government was closely monitoring the developments but would refrain from comment until the facts were verified.
“The government is keenly observing the developments, but we have not yet ascertained the facts or the ground realities. Once we have confirmed the facts, the government may have something to say,” he said.
Commenting on the 10th anniversary of the Framework Agreement signed between the Centre and the NSCN (IM), and the group’s reiteration that it would adhere to the agreement for the final solution of the Naga issue, Kenye said such a stand was expected.
“They are the signatories to the Framework Agreement, so it is quite natural for them to maintain that position. We are okay with that,” he said.
Asked about the recent statement by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) seeking clarity on legislative powers before August 15, Kenye said the issue did not come up during the day’s PAC meeting as it was devoted exclusively to the Naga political issue.
However, he appealed to organisations not to rush the process.
“We are at the threshold of something pleasant. We have waited for decades, and if it takes a few more weeks or months to achieve a solution that benefits everyone, I request all organisations to be patient,” he said. PTI NBS NBS RG
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