Non-Nagas should not feel anxious, jittery : Zeliang
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, August 09 2015 : Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who was informed after the announcement of the Naga peace framework agreement on August 3 , said he is positive.

Welcoming the move and initiative by the Prime Minister, he said there is no question of Nagas being unhappy.

" In fact, non -Nagas should also welcome the move" said Zeliang stating that people in North East should not feel anxious and jittery about the final outcome of the agreement.

Zeliang who was in the capital and met the Prime Minister and Home Minister yesterday regarding the peace framework agreement, was speaking to the media today morning at Nagaland House.

Underlining the need for peace and development and stressing that there is no question of 'doubting' the involvement of the State Government and various civil society organisations, the Nagaland CM said that a series of consultation had been held with the Centre in the past.

Zeliang who said that the content of the framework agreement is not known to him, re-iterated that the final formula of the agreement and subsequent accord would be between the NSCN(IM) and the Centre.

"As the CM and as legislators, we will play the role of a facilitator" added Zeliang.

TR Zeliang

Recalling the Nagaland Government's earlier resolution to step down if "required" to pave the way for a "solution" as an alternative arrangement , the Nagaland CM said " the decision remains the same.

The 60 MLAs are ready, we will not stand in the way of the peace process or any agreement reached" .

Answering a volley of question on the possible fallout and possible reactions from neighboring States or even within several tribal groups, Zeliang said "non-Nagas should not have any negative inclination" and added that when the Mizo Accord was signed, non-Mizos happily welcomed the move.

Speaking on Naga history, culture and uniqueness and underlining his appreciation of the Prime Minister, Zeliang recalled that earlier India's Prime Ministers were not able to come to this stage in the peace process.

He said, "Earlier it was all quotes and statements but nothing happened on the ground.

Numerous interlocutors have also been appointed and though they also tried their best to arrive to a conclusion they could not." Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the process has reached this stage.

" Even the Congress should be happy," said Zeliang who also acknowledged their effort in trying to bring an amicable solution during UPA 1 and UPA II and added "They ( the Congress) tried and their effort is worth appreciating.

The only thing is they were not able to bring it to this level" .

Speaking on the steps to be taken up, Zeliang informed that a delegate of 16 representatives from the Naga Hoho and the ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People's Organization) will be embark on a good-will mission to meet the other NSCN faction leaders, NSCN (K) and NSCN (KK) .

"The process to travel has been cleared by the MHA and they will be leaving soon." he said.

Interlocutor RN Ravi will be also holding talks/meet with the other NSCN faction leaders separately in the coming weeks.

According to the Chief Minister, the final agreement between the NSCN(IM) and Centre is likely to be inked within this year, provided there is no major opposition from either the other rebel groups or neighbouring States.

On the question of secrecy of the framework agreement, Zeliang countered, "When a house is being built, does the architect explain his art to the public?" .

Emphasising that the Naga solution should be based on understanding and mutual respect, the CM said that the final accord should be based on "power sharing" between the "Nagas and the Centre" .