KOHIMA, MAY 21 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday issued a rejoinder to a statement by the GPRN/NSCN (U) issued on May 19, stating that the Minister for Roads & Bridges was “not against any Naga political group.”
In a press statement issued through its Press Bureau, Central Headquarters, Kohima, the NPF stated that the Minister’s remarks concerning village chieftains were made “particularly in the context of the Sumi community at the Sumi Kükami Hoho general conference, and not against the Naga National movement.”
“It was a call to preserve the sanctity of traditional institutions. Village chieftains are custodians of our rich tradition and cultural heritage. Their direct involvement with any particular group imperils the very social fabric they are duty-bound to protect,” the party stated.
The NPF said it holds the institution of village chiefs “in the highest esteem” and acknowledged their historical role in Naga society.
“However, to construe reverence for tradition as immunity from public debate does a disservice to the chiefs themselves. They are trustees of the people, not of any one group. Their moral authority is strengthened, not weakened, when they rise above factional lines,” it added.
On the ongoing Naga political negotiations, the party maintained that the talks are between the Government of India and Naga political groups, while the State Government is not a negotiating party.
The NPF stated that the Chief Minister’s views regarding representation of the Government of India reflected a concern for expediting the peace process and were consistent with the resolution adopted during the Naga Consultative Meeting held on September 12, 2024.
“Wherein, the House appealed to the Government of India to elevate the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the highest political level by appointing an interlocutor of political level/Ministerial level, who has the confidence and mandate of the Government,” the statement said.
The party further stated that interpreting such views as contradictory would “obfuscate the collective sentiment of Naga stakeholders.”
“The fact remains that even after the 2021 statement that ‘negotiations had concluded,’ an honourable solution is yet to be arrived at and that reality demands continued engagement at all levels,” it added.
The NPF also said it recognizes the sensitivities surrounding nomenclature and has consistently used the term “Naga Political Groups” in official communications and on the floor of the Assembly.
“Terminology should unite, not divide. The paramount objective remains an honourable and inclusive resolution,” it stated.
Reiterating that the Naga political issue is “above party politics,” the NPF urged all stakeholders to avoid public exchanges that could create confusion among the people.
“The need of the hour is unity of purpose, clarity of position, and sincerity of effort toward an early honourable solution,” the statement added.
