Kohima, Nov 14: The Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) comprising members of the state assembly and two members of parliament representing Nagaland has appealed to people of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to ‘extend all possible cooperation to resolve the vexed Naga insurgency in a successful manner that will enable peace and stability in the region.’
The appeal is significant after mass protest in Manipur fearing that the deal with the Naga insurgent groups could affect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
“We appeal to our neighbouring states to build trust and confidence within us so that we can live peacefully under an environment of mutual co-existence and cooperation,†the JLF resolved at a consultative meeting held on Wednesday.
It also appealed to the 7 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim –Isak Muivah) (NSCN-IM) to sit across the negotiating table and bury all differences for the greater good of the Naga people.
The consultative meeting, which was attended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Opposition leader T.R. Zeliang, Lok Sabha MP Tokheho Yepthomi, Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenye and Speaker in-charge Sharingain Longkumer and other legislators, further appealed to all other groups who are not on board to join the peace process.
Welcoming the reported successful conclusion of negotiations between the Government of India and the Naga national political groups (Naga insurgents), the Forum extended their, “sincere appreciation to the negotiating parties for making sacrifices and understanding the realities of the given situation.’
Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Governor and Centre’s Interlocutor R.N. Ravi for bringing the talks thus far, the forum welcomed pro-active role played by the mass-based organisations for creating a congenial atmosphere to ensure that the negotiations head in a positive direction.
Reiterating the August 7 JLF resolution, the forum further appealed to all the stakeholders – the negotiating parties of NNPGs and the NSCN-IM, Hohos , Civil Society groups, churches and the people – to foster a spirit of unity and oneness amongst each other to facilitate the eventual solution to the protracted Naga political issue, which is honourable, acceptable and which recognises the uniqueness of the history of the Naga people.
The forum also assured that it will continue to play the role of active facilitators and extend all possible cooperation to ensure that the peace process is successfully concluded with the realisation of a political solution that is honourable and acceptable to the people.
