NGBF strongly opposes demand for recall of Naga peace talks interlocutor

NEW DELHI: A key Nagaland stakeholder group, the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF), the hereditary custodians of Naga customs and traditions in the State, has strongly opposed the demand for the replacement of RN Ravi, the Government of India representative and interlocutor for Naga peace talks, calling the demand "unjust and untenable".

The political temperature in Nagaland has been rising after a recent spate of media statements by key groups over the demand for early solution to Naga political issue.

The NGBF said in a statement that "It puts on record the following matters for posterity in the face of alarming and malicious media publications on Indo-Naga political issues".

On the issues being raised against GOI interlocutor RN Ravi, NGBF observed that the demand for replacement of interlocutor is unjust and untenable due to the fact that he is also the GoI interlocutor with other negotiating groups.

"The status paper is with the tribal leaders and organisations. The transparency and practical aspect of the negotiations between GoI and WC, NNPGs, without compromising Naga history, identity and political right in all Naga areas, being communicated to the tribes and public at the grassroots level has found favour with the people," it said.

NGBF has taken exception to some recent statements made by the NSCN (IM). "In recent days, NSCN (IM) statements have described 14 tribes, NTC, NGBF, CNTC and other civil societies as planted by RN Ravi and tutored by him, which have deeply hurt the sentiment of the Nagas," the Naga group said.

"RN Ravi was first seen by Nagas on TV having a warm handshake with Th. Muivah on August 3, 2015. After 20 of peace talks, the GoI had no option but to invite all other Naga armed groups to the negotiating table," it said.

"Just like the NSCN (IM), all the groups had different ideologies and policies and owed their origin to the very first undivided NNC. The only role the Naga civil societies, particularly the NTC, NGBF and churches, played was bringing sworn enemies to a common table where they could see eye to eye for the sake of Nagas. It was providence," the statement added.

The group said the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement signed between GoI and NSCN (IM) clearly mentioned that the negotiations have concluded, and R.N Ravi and Th. Muivah signed and sealed with a handshake.

"Three years later, GoI realised that it had been misled. There were other stakeholders on the ground. Sensing an exclusive pact was not going to solve the Naga issue, NGBF and all tribal Hohos insisted on an inclusive solution and on November 17, 2017, the agreed position was signed between GoI and WC, NNPGs," the group said.

"Logic says if RN Ravi, as NSCN (IM) alleges, planted or tutored the stakeholders, he would never dare to acknowledge or admit that the Nagas had political and historical right to self-determine their future in consonant with their distinct identity. Not in a signed document. This is a great achievement and credit goes to the Naga tribal Hohos, the GBs, churches and prayer warriors. Blaming R.N. Ravi or MHA has no basis," the Naga group said in a strong endorsement.

"A group negotiating with GoI with R.N Ravi as interlocutor and issuing statements saying '... any organisation falling in line with R.N. Ravi is anti-Naga...' sums up the inconsistencies in the last 23 years of political talks between GoI and NSCN (IM)," NGBF said in a reference to the position taken by NSCN (IM).

"NGBF cannot lie to the people at a grassroots level and therefore this press statement is issued with a hope that Nagas would stay calm and positive against disturbing media trials and presumptions," it added.

"There is a perpetual tendency within the NSCN (IM) leadership to brand Naga leaders, tribes, organisations, other civil societies as anti Nagas and traitors for not towing their political ideology. This is a mockery of Nagaland for Christ. The statements contradict frequent fasting programmes and prayer requests seeking cooperation from Nagas," NGBF said, criticising the NSCN (IM).

"God fearing leaders should not insist their words and actions are final in the Naga context. The people's voice and will is final. NGBF is opposed to dictate that stifles people's sentiment. Nagas did not oppose British occupation and Indian occupation to finally be treated like expendable humans at the hands of fellow Nagas," it added.

In the last 23 years of Indo Naga Peace talks, the GBs of Nagaland have stood for and supported inclusive, acceptable and honourable solutions for all Nagas irrespective of boundaries. After the signing of FA on August 3, 2015 between GoI and NSCN (IM) and agreed positions between GoI and WC, NNPGs on November 17, 2017, time and again the NGBF has appealed to all the negotiating parties to bring home an honourable and acceptable political solution to our people," it said.

The NGBF has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and R.N.Ravi a number of times for early settlement of the Naga problem.

The Naga group also recalled the past incidents of violence and sought healing of wounds. It said that post the Shillong Accord in 1975, rampant killing among Naga national workers ensued in Eastern Nagaland. After the split of NSCN in 1988, the fratricidal killings spilled into present Nagaland State.

"The brazen assassination attempts on politicians, bureaucrats, civil society leaders and wiping out of a generation of young local entrepreneurs are still very fresh in the memory of our people. Today, leaders or groups with such tendencies must rethink. Our children have come of age. Wounds of the past must be allowed to heal and not flare," it said. (IANS)

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