Those delaying Peace talks will face gradual isolation in Naga society : Alezo

Nirendra Dev *

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his Ukraine visit, GPRN/NSCN (Unification) Ato Kilonser, Alezo Venuh has said that the pending Naga peace talks should also get "adequate priority" in the scheme of things.

"The Naga peace talks are pending even after a declared assertion that the parleys were over by October 2019. We all know some elements both within Nagaland and outside Nagaland have delayed it. The onus is on the Prime Minister Shri Modi to resolve this," Alezo told this journalist in Delhi.

Alezo was in Delhi with a delegation of rebel leaders for interaction with key stakeholders in the Union government.

"We all will feel proud if a South Asian or Asian leader such as Indian Prime Minister Mr Modi can resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. But what about our Naga issue in the backyards? PM Modi is himself aware of our issue and hence I expect his government to give the right emphasis for an early Solution," Alezo said.

"It also should get adequate priority," he said.

Answering questions, Alezo declined to blame anyone in particular for the delay in finalisation of Naga peace talks for Solution but hastened to add, "I am confident the good and right sense will prevail upon even the wrong persons. We need Solution and those who think they can get away by delaying things will soon be cornered and face gradual isolation in Naga society".

Senior GPRN/NSCN (Unification) functionary C Singson endorsed the views of the Ato Kilonser and said, "The more things are delayed, the more complex and complicated the Naga issue will turn out to be".

"So far I can say we are making progress," he said and maintained that the Naga peace parleys process has come a long way since 1997 and at later stage since 2011.

"In 2011 when we all in the NSCN (K) decided to come forward for talks... There were some differences. But we handled those. Khaplang himself was expelled. I and our respected President Gen (Retd) M B Neakpao Konyak then came to Delhi and inked the Ceasefire pact. That was a new beginning," he said.

Singson said, "The impeachment" of former Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi was an unfortunate development of the calendar year 2024. But we have to move ahead......The age of stagnation and isolation is over. Lessons from political negotiations and our struggle to achieve Agreed Position and the Status Paper should not be used by the leaders to dismantle the process and create new disturbances in Nagaland".

To a question, he said, "Why are you saying the talks got delayed or not;....Of course, things have been delayed and some people probably also tried to derail it. But they cannot achieve their mission. It is true the saboteurs had their time and common people in the state of Nagaland continued to suffer. Ultimately, peace and solution shall prevail and those struggling like us and working hard will have the last laugh".