ZB urges GoI to retain RN Ravi as Interlocutor
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2020: Urging the Government of India to remain firm without backtracking from the commitment and seriousness to solve the Naga political issue at the earliest, the Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) has written to the Prime Minister to ensure that the present interlocutor, RN Ravi, is not changed.

The Zeliangrong people living in the States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland are immensely happy with the progress of the talks between the Naga groups and the Government of India led by a "dynamic" interlocutor, RN Ravi who is also the Governor of Nagaland, said the body in a letter signed by its president, Athuan Abonmai and general secretary, Gainithoi Gonmei.

RN Ravi

The Zeliangrong people and the Nagas in general are looking up to the strong and able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has firm determination and commitment to solve the issue in a time bound manner, the body said stating that the Zeliangrong United Front has also been taking part in the negotiations under the banner of the Naga National Political Groups.

The Naga political groups and Government of India had reached a breakthrough on October 31 last year and paved a way to ink the final agreement at any possible time.

"We strongly believe that the Government of India and the Naga political groups are moving on to the final leg to seal the negotiation by signing the final agreement," said the body asserting that the demand raised by the NSCN(IM) and its few frontal organisations at this juncture to replace the interlocutor is "unrealistic and makes no sense at all" .

"This demand (to replace the interlocutor) will only procrastinate the signing of the final agreement and we have every reason to suspect that it is another ploy by NSCN(IM) just to impress before the general public that the Government of India can be easily twisted and turned at their convenience," asserted Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN).

The whole world is observing the craftsmanship of RN Ravi and his "unique" ability that has brought the negotiation to this stage.

All the previous interlocutors were engaged with only one group while RN Ravi, after he took charge, managed to rope in most of the groups which is a very significant development towards bringing a lasting solution.

Therefore at this critical juncture, the Government of India should remain firm without backtracking from the commitment and seriousness to solve the issue at the earliest under the "dynamic" interlocutor RN Ravi, said the body.

While urging the Prime Minister to ensure that RN Ravi remains the interlocutor until the issue is solved, the body maintained that any slight mistake or hasty decision based on the unrealistic grounds and demand of one group could further delay the signing of the final agreement which will only prolong the conflict in the region.