Interview with Neokpao Konyak, convener, NNPG

Nirendra Dev *

Neokpao Konyak, convener, NNPG

"Muivah knows what he is asking will never be given ... but still...," says Neokpao Konyak

New convener of NNPG, Neokpao Konyak, has said that the Solution to the Naga issue after so much time spent on parleys is 'not coming' due to multiple factors including the stance taken by NSCN-IM stalwart Thuingaleng Muivah.

"NSCN-IM leader Muivah knows what he is asking will never be given ... but still...," Neokpao Konyak told this journalist in an interaction on various facets of the Naga talks. He made a veiled attack on what he called "political escapism" of some Naga leaders.

He lamented that : "The fact that Agreed Position mentions Naga right to self determination, history and identity and pays due respect to political realities of today, is something elite class of Naga society has failed to grasp or deliberately doing so".

"Whether it's Naga tribal color at work or the one organisation and few CSOs trying hard to blur the Agreed Position with wholesome praise for Framework Agreement is something Nagas need to carefully analyse.," he said.

He said: "The NNPG is ready to ink the peace pact. We have made it clear that we understand Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance vis-a-vis flag and a separate Naga constitution.

"The fact of the matter is we need peace and Solution is the key to the lasting peace and Development," he said adding, "Development is important for today's generation and the youngsters and the next generation.... How long will Nagas continue to suffer ?"

He also hastened to add: "Political Solution anywhere in the world will definitely bring in progress and development. This is just one of many layers ..... etu toh hobo asey. .... That makes up the comprehensive package of an acceptable and honorable solution".

"The Agreed Position is like a win-all. It contains powerful ingredients for India and Nagas as honorable and a good deed of political agreement".

"Muivah hi (solution) manzoor na hobo. Muivah toh ki asey ami jaane ... tai loge ami berai ... berai thakise (Muivah will not accept Solution. I know Mr Muivah too well .... I have seen him closely. We have traveled together for years)," he remarked, answering some specific questions.

"I have worked with him for long...I know him closely. In the year 1976 ... I was hurt on my foot. Muivah too suffered injuries.... But what he is asking is not practical and he knows it pretty well," Neokpao said adding - "it was a fierce clash between our Naga group and the Myanmar army".

"Muivah knows no Indian leader or Prime Minister can give what he is asking.... but still (jani jani kena eneka)". To a question he said even the demand from NSCN-IM to ask for 'Pan Naga Hoho' will not be acceptable by other Nagas of Nagaland state.

He referred to the growing debate around Intangki and went on to add that - "Now Naga people understand everything..... He further said, "etia ami majhotey jokhom paboley toh eku na kobo (I will not unravel bitter truths any longer which will only add to our own injuries)".

In his own inimitable style Neokpao said - "It is a game of nerves going on. Everyone is thinking he is being more clever than others... Muivah thinks he has tricked the Govt of India...for their part Narendra Modi and Amit Shah think they have been smarter".

However, he said there are second rung leaders in the NSCN-IM such as V S Atem (deputy Ato Kilonser of the group) ... but... "everyone has problems as Muivah himself is the architect of the Framework Agreement".

Asked about NNPG stance, he said: "Our position is clear and everyone knows what is there in our Status Paper".

To another question, he said - "Among many people we should thank, I think Mr R N Ravi played a crucial role .... The NSCN-IM never liked Ravi from the beginning... but we all know Ravi worked hard with the NSCN (IM) also and on August 3, 2015, he signed a Framework Agreement with none other than Muivah in the presence of PM Narendra Modi".

"The fact of the matter is Muivah had no option as his chairman Isak Chishi Swu was hospitalised in Delhi.... But Ravi worked harder with the NNPG and on Nov 17, 2017 we signed pact titled 'Agreed Position' ... This was a game-changer".

Answering a question he said, the 'Status quo club' and their delay tactics do not augur well for the peace process and long term interest of the Nagas.