Opportune time to resolve Naga issue: Zeliang
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, November 13 2017: Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang reiterated today that "the most opportune time" for the Nagas has come to resolve the decades old "Naga pol itical issue once and for all" .

The Nagaland Chief Minister said that the NSCN-IM and the Government of India have been in talks for a fairly long time and today six Naga groups (NNPGs) have also entered into dialogues with the Government of India.

"This is, therefore, considered the most opportune time for us Nagas and the Govemment of India to resolve the decades old Naga political issue once and of all," TRZeliang stated.

The Chief Minister said this on Monday while gracing Sumi tribe's Ahuna Festival in Zunheboto in Nagaland coinciding with the town attaining 75 years.

"The fact that different factions and armed groups have come together seeking solution to the Naga political issue is indeed a very encouraging move," TR Zeliang said.

He then urged the civil societies to play a catalytic role in bringing the different political groups together.

"Let us remember that we have waited 20 long years of the peace process and another 2 years after signing of the Framework Agreement.

And going by the latest trends and more so when the attitude of our Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Government of India are positive and forthcoming, we are very optimistic that an inclusive, honourable and acceptable resolution to our long standing political issue is round the comer.

This is an opportunity Nagas cannot afford to miss," the Chief Minister of Nagaland added.

He also said that what the Nagas need today is the cooperation and support of each and every Naga tribe for bringing about a permanent peace through an inclusive, honourable and acceptable resolution of the Naga political problem.

"No matter the many challenges we face as a multi-tribal society, it is my earnest appeal to all Nagas to view the Naga issue with a sense of oneness and togetherness," the Nagaland Chief Minister also said.

"We have suffered together and we shall triumph together," he added.

"In our minds, the word Naga covers all the Nagas in India and across international boundaries.

Therefore, the civil societies should facilitate the coming together of the different political groups and join in our common pursuit for permanent peace.

We also need to remember that we are enjoying relative peace during the cease-fire period.

If, however it stands abrogated in future for one reason or the other, it is the innocent public who will be the victims.

Therefore, my Govt, is serious in bringing solution at the earliest," TR Zeliang further said.

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