Minister of Higher education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along on September 23 called for a proper deliberation between the ENPO and its legislators. “We are sure that the draft proposal may come up very soon, but it has been made very evident that the Eastern Naga legislators and the Eastern Naga peoples Organization(ENPO) should have a proper sitting and on what is possible, what is not possible, because the legislators are the representatives of the ENPO people too.”

Along also noted that the Cabinet under the Chief Minister’s leadership have always focused on being inclusive. “In what way does the very social and traditional fabric of Nagaland doesn’t get diluted by any other agenda is the utmost importance given by the Chief Minister and the State cabinet.” Remarked the Minister, speaking to mediapersons on the sideline of the launching program of the new Hyundai Alcazar at Vuto Hyundai Kohima.

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On the Political Affairs Committee (PAC)’s demand for a new interlocutor, Along said, “That doesn’t mean the present interlocutor is not doing right. The PAC has asked for a strong leader to be an interlocutor so as to provide a stronger platform for early resolution of the Naga Political issue.”

“We have to come to a common ground and talk with Delhi,” added the Minister.

It maybe noted that the  Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) had earlier claimed that the Nagaland government’s resolution to appoint a new interlocutor was a deliberate and pre-planned action aimed at undermining and postponing the political solution. The group had also questioned the state’s motivations for demanding a new interlocutor, suggesting that there might be undisclosed agendas.

Along argued that as a facilitator the 16 member  legislature led by the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and all the party man irrespective of their party had come forward and decided what is the best way to go forward.