Former Nagaland minister, K Therie on Friday said that President’s Rule would be the “quickest way” to implement the agreements reached on the Naga political issue, while asserting that the focus should remain on a political solution rather than personal agendas.
In a statement, Therie referred to the final paragraph of the Framework Agreement (FWA), which states that the two sides had agreed to work out and implement the agreement details and an execution plan shortly. He argued that the Centre and the State Government were responsible for working out the details and execution plan within the principles of the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position.
Therie questioned the State Government’s demand for an apex committee to engage in discussions, arguing that the political talks had already concluded and when NNWs stand by their agreements and also when there is scope to add or delete while working out details.
He said there was no justification for appointing a new interlocutor or committee. “The only reason could be that they still think NSCN(IM) can rescue them in the election. This is the reason they do not want a solution. This is why the people understand NPF is the roadblock,” he stated.
He alleged that the NPF-led Government was delaying a settlement and claimed that the State Government was behaving like a “third party” without an agenda. He also questioned how long the word “shortly” in the Framework Agreement was intended to mean.
Therie criticised NSCN (IM) leader RH Raising for remarks concerning former Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir, saying he was hurt by what he described as an insult to the “tallest living leader of Nagaland”. He also criticised NPF Secretary General and Advisor, Achumbemo Kikon for what he described as failing to defend the fundamental rights of Nagaland’s citizens and Dr Jamir.
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Referring to Dr Jamir’s role in the Naga peace process, Therie said the former Chief Minister had persuaded then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 to “offer talks without preconditions”, which, he claimed, opened the way for subsequent negotiated agreements.
“FWA have surrendered the issues of sovereignty and integration; as such, Nagas from outside Nagaland should restrain themselves from speaking on behalf of Nagaland and insulting Nagaland’s leaders and the community. Nagaland people’s hospitality has been taken as weakness for too long. We need to live with mutual respect,” the veteran politician stated.
Therie further alleged that the NPF had, over the past 23 years, supported policies of “equi-closeness”, facilitation and inclusiveness that had contributed to delays in implementation. He also levelled allegations of political links between the party and Naga underground groups, while claiming that the NPF represented interests beyond Nagaland.
On the present political process, Therie claimed that the Centre had rejected the Chief Minister’s proposal for appointing a new interlocutor for fresh talks based on the concluded talks. He also questioned the State Government’s earlier claim regarding the constitution of a minister-level committee and sought details of the proposed Apex Committee.
Therie said the Chief Minister should be consistent and honest in dealing with the people and argued that, since the State leadership could not directly sit with the Prime Minister or Union Home Minister to work out the details, President’s Rule would be the quickest way to implementing the agreements.
He maintained that there was “nothing wrong” in demanding President’s Rule, describing it as consistent with what he said was the NPF’s own commitment to “pave the way” for a solution.
