Don't repeat the past : NPF to GoI

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, Oct 23: The Naga People’s Front (NPF), while referring to the Naga political issue, has said that another mistake will be very costly not only for one faction or group but for every one involved in the process.
The NPF made this statement after holding its consultative meeting held on Wednesday in the Central Office in Kohima with members from the Legislature Wing, the Core Committee, senior leaders and frontal wings leaders. The NPF leaders discussed the present political scenario in the midst of hope and fear doing the round.
The NPF said that it always "stands for an honorable, inclusive and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue". Therefore, the NPF said that it "welcomes" the signing of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 between the Government of India and NSCM (I-M).
The party also said that it welcomes the joining of the seven NNPGs in the peace process towards the latter part of 2017.
The NPF said that it is pained to see the "Indo-Naga political issue with 22 years of dialogue is heading to a dead-lock with the NSCN-IM and Mr RN Ravi, who is the Government of India Interlocutor and also the Governor of Nagaland, accusing one another through media, hinting at a possible dead-lock". "We do not believe that the Government of India will sign another 16-Point Memorandum type of agreement", said the NPF, adding, "Because in that, the Government of India signed the agreement with the go-between group leaving behind the main contenders for whom the agreement was proposed". Therefore, the NPF said the said agreement failed to bring peace but more divisions. It also said that the same tragedy should never be repeated. The NPF also said that the Naga people want "real" peace after an agreement is signed.
Therefore, according to the NPF, in order to have a meaningful solution to the issue, mutual trust between the "main players" is the only answer. "The Government of India should not serve any sort of ultimatum to solve the Naga political issue, rather it should handle with all care and seriousness", the statement added.
It further said that appropriate timing for a peaceful solution should guide the ongoing peace process keeping space for concession to some extent, if found necessary.
The NPF stated, "While we are not aware of the ruling PDA’s (the ruling alliance of the Nagaland State Government) role in this crucial stage of the Indo-Naga political issue the NPF would like to reiterate our stand and commitment to continue to play facilitator role as we have always been".