State has no direct role in Naga talks : Zeliang
Source: The Sangai Express / PTI

Kohima, March 18 2016 : The ongoing Naga political dialogue was between the Centre and NSCN(IM) and the State Government does not have a direct role except that of a facilitator, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said today.

He said the Government would countinue to be a facilitator to the talks and the final agreement that may follow.

Reminding the 60-member Assembly of the "truly significant point of time that Government is passing through without an Opposition," Zeliang said "the unique development is more the result of a mutual understanding among the members of the need to come together in one mind and one accord, and move single mindedly for a resolution of the long standing Naga political issue" .

Replying to the observations made by the members as part of the discussion on his budget speech presented to the House yesterday, Zeliang today said as facilitator of the Naga peace process, the Government has met other Naga political groups on March 9 .

"We have no intention or desire to undermine the efforts of any group.

We only desire that the broad-based consultation process will encompass all the political groups," he said.

Zeliang also appealed to all people of the State to join hearts and minds, and remove all differences in a spirit of forgive and forget.

"We have all been working for a solution to the Naga political issue for so many years, and it would not be fair to waste this wonderful opportunity after it has reached our doorsteps," the CM said while referring to the signing of Framework Agreement between the Centre and NSCN(IM) on August 3 last year.

Zeliang also called upon Naga people not to make speculations on the outcome of the ongoing talks between NSCN(IM) and the Centre as it would be "risky as well as dangerous without knowing the real inside story" .

Speculations can be endless and unproductive and does not help us in anyway, he said, adding that none of us can tell with certainty at this juncture what is going to be put in place.

But, Zeliang said "we are all looking forward to a peaceful and lasting solution that will encompass all the Naga political groups, an agreement that is honourable and acceptable to all." The CM also reiterated that any settlement or solution should be inclusive.

"We therefore, press the Interlocutor to consult all the Naga political groups before the modalities are finalised," he said.

The Government is not only saying that all political groups should come forward, but have manifested our seriousness by sending tribal leaders to meet SS Khaplang to convey the desire of the House and the people that all Naga political groups should come together for a final solution.

Zeliang also clarified that coming together of the 60 members of the House was with a purpose, that is, for an early solution to the Naga problem and not as a result of duress or any form of compulsion.

He called upon the members not to be influenced by any kind of wrong speculations without proof or evidence.

"I am sure that if an alternative arrangement is made, it would be done in the form of Constitutional amendment, which will be placed before the Parliament for thorough debate and discussions," Zeliang added.

Minister for School Education Yitachu, Minister for Rural Development and REPA C L John, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism C Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary for Jail and Science and Technology Hukavi Zhimomi and MLA Pohwang Konyak took part in the general discussion.

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