FUNICH raised concerns over "inclusive political talks" rhetoric to GoI interlocutor RN Ravi

Convener of forum for understanding Naga India conflict & human rights (FUNICH) met Government of India interlocutor R.N Ravi and raised critical points to the demand for inclusive political talks by six NPGs (Naga Political Groups) supported by Naga Tribal Council (NTC) and Action Against Un-abated Taxation (ACAUT).

Reminding the interlocutor that the talk with the NSCN under the leadership of Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu started because of their movement which is based firmly on the Naga people's political and historical rights.

The leadership and the organization have continuously displayed their moral political ground based on the Naga historical and political rights as one people. In their long political struggles they have remained steadfast in their commitment and conviction to the Naga people's political rights, says a statement

As informed by the convener of FUNICH Lakpuichi Siro, the leadership led by Th. Muivah and Lt. Yaruiwo Isak Swu have strengthened the Naga people's struggle for political justice by condemning the creation of Nagaland State in 1963, which is not Nagaland in true sense as it encompasses only a small portion of Nagaland and their political aspirations are completely ignored. The same leadership condemned the signing of Shillong Accord in 1975 between NNC and GoI as the political rights of Naga people were completely overlooked again.

Moreover, several other issues that have been raised on behalf of FUNICH were that under the leadership of late Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu and Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah ceasefire was signed with GoI in 1997 based on equality and respecting Naga people as a separate entity but in 2001 GoI declared ceasefire in all Naga areas officially which has a strong geo-political meaning. Again, in 2002 GoI officially declared "Naga history and situation as unique", which clearly says that India has no legal and historical based to claim Nagaland as part of India.

However, under the sheer leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Th. Muivah, solution was seek out based on sovereignty and accordingly Framework Agreement was signed in 2015.

"There is a deliberate attempt by a group of people living in the present Indian created Nagaland State who have remained silent or supported the creation of Nagaland State by betraying the true essence of Naga people's struggle which is geo-political in nature is now mobilizing their force to disturb inclusive political settlement that is honorable", he further added.

Unfortunately, when the two negotiating parties are about to conclude 20 years of political talks with great sense of maturity and patience, there is a rising sectarian agendas raised by newly formed 6 NNPGs with the support of the newly formed NTC and ACAUT. For the larger interest of both the negotiating parties, such force must not be encouraged to become a stumbling block in finalizing honorable solution for Naga people and India. GoI have tried to suppress the Naga people's struggle by signing agreement with similar group of people in the past that carries sectarian interest, ignoring the voice of the leadership and organization that carries the Naga people's political rights as listed above. This has led to persistent conflict and movement.

Siro asserted that when it is clear that the solution is about to come, there is a rising political mobilization to destabilize honorable solution which can bring peace, dignity and prosperity to the Nagas. Unfortunately, similar group of Nagas that supported the 16 Point Agreement and Shillong Accord are using the 6 NNPGs to reduce the Naga political struggles within the narrative of Indian State. That the solution has to work out separately for various Naga inhabitants based on the arbitrary political boundaries drawn by the Indian State and British Government.

On their constant assertion that they are the real voice of Nagas of Nagaland State, the Convener agrued that number of Nagas hailing from the present Nagaland State serving under the leadership of Mr. Th. Muivah and Mr. Khole Konyak is more than all the members put together under the 6 NNPGs. And leaders and followers under the leadership of Th. Muivah have proven themselves on various situations and have remained firm for the Naga cause. Everyone can find out for how long they have been in the service for Naga political settlement unlike the recently form NNPGs. Whereas, the young organisation led by young group of people with hardly any background worthy of respect have not demonstrated any seriousness in asserting Naga political rights.

The interlocutor RN Ravi assured the Convener that no steps will be taken without the full confidence of the collective leadership led by Th. Muivah and Khole Konyak. Further, the interlocutor affirm that any destructive force to destabilize the peace process will not be tolerated and assured that both side are working hard to come out with the final peace accord at the earliest possible time. 

-ANI