“The Indo-Naga political imbroglio has been at the core of Naga society for several decades and remains central in our concerns even today,” began Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his speech on the Naga Political issue, delivered today on the last day of the twelfth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Rio lauded the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for their part in facilitating the signing of the September Joint Accordant by the national political groups on 14 September 2022.

The chief minister said both the September Joint Accordant and the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR) signed on 13 June 2009 between NSCN-IM and NNPGs – wherein, they committed to move forward through dialogue and live together in peace – are significant moves towards the right direction.

“Such a spirit of understanding and willingness to live together in peace is definitely the way forward,” Rio said adding, “I am confident that with oneness, we will be able to reach our desired goal sooner than later.”

Rio reiterated that the state government is not a direct party to the negotiations but only playing the role of facilitators. He stated, however, that having made their commitments in their respective party manifestoes, the elected members will “pave the way in the event of a solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive.”

Asserting that “there is an overwhelming cry for a final solution amongst all sections of the people”, Rio said the present state government and the Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue are continuing to make efforts and appeal for early solution – “to the extent of supporting such a development even before the elections to the Nagaland Assembly, which are due in early 2023.”

Rio stressed on the need for a mature approach towards handling the Naga political issue, one that “has stretched for several decades and involves the longest standing insurgency of the entire region”.

“The present ceasefire and talks have been going on for more than two decades, and we feel that [it’s] more than enough time for all sides to understand and appreciate each other in a manner that we are able to reach a desired conclusion by achieving a settlement,” Rio stated.

The chief minister further said, “The desire for genuine peace in now greater than ever before.”

Pointing out the impact that the political conflict and the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue have had on the Nagas for decades, he said generations of Naga youths have either faced “untold hurdles” in their path towards their aspirations or have failed to achieve their goals.

“The leaders of today’s Naga society cannot afford to let the present and future generations inherit the continuation of conflict and violence. We owe it to them to come together under a spirit of collective oneness and resolve this imbroglio, so that, we too, can rise as a people and positively contribute to the nation building process and towards the better good of humanity,” Rio added.

The chief minister ended his speech by making an appeal, on behalf of the August House, to all Nagas and the negotiating parties to work in unison for the common good of all Nagas so that a solution “that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable” can be achieved and a new era of “peace, progress and development” can begin.

Advisor K T Sukhalu had earlier made a short statement on matters of urgent public importance pertaining to the Naga Political issue. There are no two opinions for an honourable, inclusive and acceptable early settlement of the Naga political issue, he said.

Sukhalu continued by saying it was unfortunate that the efforts of all the elected members spearheaded by the Parliamentary Committee as facilitators to bring about an early settlement of the protracted Naga political issue are being misinterpreted by few individuals and groups who are suggesting that the state government is not doing enough to bring about an early settlement.

The advisor reminded that Nagas are at a crucial stage with discussions ongoing between the negotiating parties and it is imperative that Nagas stand united at this point.

“Irrespective of where we may stand on any other issues, the Naga Political issue is paramount and cannot be compromised. Therefore, we all need to be careful with our statements and utterances and have a united voice for an early settlement of the Naga political issue,” stated Sukhalu.