The Opposition NPF in Nagaland on Thursday claimed the ruling NDPP leadership has been instigating the masses that a final solution to the Naga issue should be signed at any cost regardless of whether the Nagas are granted a separate flag or constitution.
Saying that it is “very disturbing” to learn this, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), in a release issued by its media cell said as a responsible party it vehemently condemns such “irresponsible” utterances.
The party asserted that it stands behind its leader T.R. Zeliang’s stand that any sort of differences should be handled by the negotiating parties and not by any other third party who is not a part and parcel of the negotiations.
“The NDPP as a political party which is in government should be more responsible when it comes to an issue which is very dear to the Naga people and refrain from further instigations which could adversely affect the future of the Nagas” and can derail the talks at this time, the NPF said.
According to it, the best that elected members of the Assembly can do is help speed up the negotiation process and facilitate solution and not lay down terms and conditions and instigate public for their “selfish hidden agendas”.
The party felt when the present central leadership is serious about solving the issue, the Naga people should rally behind and iron out any sort of differences that might exist and not miss the train this time.
It said the central leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi graciously signed the Framework Agreement in 2015.
“Now, with the commitment to solve the Naga issue within three months’ time, that is by the month of October, we can only hope for an amicable settlement which is accepted by all and not a settlement which would further divide the Nagas and bring forth years of distress and sufferings,” the NPF said.
The party urged Assembly Speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu to convene a meeting of Joint Legislators Forum on Naga Political Issue at the earliest.
It also urged him to make necessary arrangements for the members to meet the central leaders under the banner of the forum to help facilitate an early solution without any further stalemate.