The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs)  slammed the Rising People’s Party (RPP) over what it called “an ambiguous and immature statement” regarding the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks.

In a press statement released by its Media Cell, the WC sharply criticized the RPP’s recent comments in the media, asserting that the party’s lack of understanding of the intricacies of the Indo-Naga political process reflects “a lack of maturity and coherence.”

The WC alleged that the RPP, a registered Indian political party in Nagaland, is “engaging recklessly” with a matter that has cost “countless lives” and requires utmost sensitivity and historical awareness.

“Respecting the past is crucial for the living,” the WC stated, adding that many educated sons and daughters of Naga National Workers initially admired RPP’s programs, but engaging recklessly with such a sensitive topic, which had cost countless lives in the past, is unwise.

The Committee further accused the RPP of playing an obstructive role in the state’s development and of undermining the legitimacy and sanctity of the Indo-Naga peace talks. Referring to the RPP’s criticism of the Government of India’s Interlocutor AK Mishra’s recent visit to Nagaland as “a waste of public resources,” the WC stated that as a new Indian political party, the RPP should demonstrate a clear understanding of the current Indo-Naga political situation.

On the RPP’s allegation that the 2017 “Agreed Position” was limited to “Nagas of Nagaland,” the WC responded that RPP lacks understanding of this and the critical ‘Status Paper’. It stated that the ‘Status Paper’ was crafted with extensive effort, resources and prayer support and every page reflects careful negotiation between the GOI and NNPGs, honouring Naga history and identity, and providing political and administrative recognition for Nagas across Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

RPP failed to represent the complexities and realities surrounding the “Agreed Position” signed between the Nagas and the GOI, it added.

“Anyone claiming that the Agreed Position is only for Nagas of Nagaland shows a traitorous mindset,” the statement read, raising the question whether there are individuals, organizations, or entities influencing RPP’s statements behind the scenes. “Time will reveal the truth,” it added.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Calling for greater responsibility from political entities, the WC questioned whether the RPP had ever attempted to engage with any of the Naga political groups in a constructive dialogue. “If they have agendas or any suggestive inputs that are beneficial for the common citizens, in that case, why not call all the Naga Political Groups to sit across the table and discuss their views?” the Committee asked.

“ What do the RPP want the Government of India to do? Do the RPP know the Ground Reality?,” it further asked.

The WC NNPGs said that RPP’s decision to tag former Interlocutor RN Ravi for conjuring the “Agreed Position” for the ‘Nagas of Nagaland’ is fundamentally misguided and lack credibility. “This assertion can be described as complete ignorance, baseless and misleading,” it said.

Defending the sanctity of the peace process and calling for a unified and informed approach to the Naga political issue, the WC NNPGs warned against divisive and uninformed commentary.