Khole-Kitovi envoy clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2012: Envoy to the collective leadership of GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kirovi group) Alezo Venuh has clarified that since the formation of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in 2008, GPRN/NSCN has been very vocal that a meaningful reconciliation among the Nagas would not be forthcoming as long as IM leadership believe in having reconciliation process and political negotiations running parallel to each other.

Covenant of Reconciliation (COR) was signed to narrow the differences among the Nagas.

It was clear from the very outset that Naga reconciliation process was never a bargaining chip for any group to take advantage of.

Reconciliation process includes all sections of Nagas but one cannot say the same about the negotiations between GOI and IM because Nagas are still in the dark about the core demands and the progress or lack of it,the envoy asserted in a press statement.

In many Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings of the COR in the last four years, the general opinion was that since the political talks were not heading in the right direction, negotiations should be kept in abeyance till the Nagas find a common ground to jointly pursue their common political aspiration.

The word 'Nagaland' encompasses all Naga lands irrespective of national or international boundary demarcations.

There is only one Nagaland which is inclusive or Naga areas in Burma, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur or Assam.

Nagaland does not exclude any area or portion of Naga history or people.

This is the position of the GPRN/NSCN on the question of 'Nagaland', it said.

GPRN/NSCN has opened up all diplomatic channels with Naga frontal organisations and tribal hohos including the UNC to brief and be briefed for entrenchment of political and historical rights of the Nagas.

GPRN/NSCN supports the demand of the UNC for it reflects the genuine grievances of the Naga people living in Manipur.

Asking if IM, through UNC is demanding for alternative political arrangement from the GOI, for a secure political future for southern Nagas, the envoy questioned, "Who can stop the Nagas living in Burma, the state of Arunachal Pradesh or Assam or for that matter within the present state of Nagaland from pursuing their political aspirations?" .

The reported Charter of demand submitted to GOI by GPRN/NSCN which was carried in the local dailies is completely baseless since the first step for GPRN/NSCN is to consult the Naga people.

Shambu Singh, the Joint Secretary in-charge of NE, represents the Government of India and initiates the extension of Cease Fire with all groups and has been constantly briefing the centre which is his job.

Charter of demand is altogether a different issue which the GPRN/NSCN shall take up at an appropriate time.

Without seeking the opinion of the people, it would be placing cart before the horse.

If there are technical reasons preventing IM leaders from attending the forthcoming Chiangmai meeting, GPRN/NSCN would understand that accusing the GPRN/NSCN for attempting to sabotage the 14 years negotiations is unwise and uncalled for.

Nagas cannot accept such logic.

FNR is doing all it can to facilitate meeting of Collective Leaders of COR signatories and it is highly unlikely that FNR would need any clarification because its position is the position of the Naga people.

Non attendance of the proposed meet would be a real assault on the FNR.

The credibility and the commitment of the leadership is at stake.

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