Legislators' forum
File photo of the members of Joint Legislators' Forum (JLF) on Naga Political Issue. Image credit - Morung Express

The Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga Political Issue appealed to the national workers to guide it in a manner so as to positively contribute towards success of the negotiations with the Government of India in any manner possible.

The JLF made the appeal during a consultative meeting with the NSCN (I-M) held at Rhododendron Hall, Chumukedima here on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by JLF chairman Zhaleo Rio on Thursday.

The meeting, which was held under the chairmanship of Zhaleo Rio, adopted an eight-point resolution.

The statement said the deliberations were unanimous in that the political talks need to be expedited in order to take the negotiations to its logical conclusion and find solution that is honourable and acceptable to the people and one that upholds the political and democratic rights of the Naga people.

The meeting mainly focussed on the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process and deliberated on the issue in an extensive manner, it said.

The forum said the meeting was held in a successful and cordial manner with positive deliberations by the members present.

The JLF assured that it would not come in the way of any alternative arrangement that may come about due to the political solution. The forum asserted that it would extend all cooperation to ensure that a congenial atmosphere is created for successful implementation of the peace accord.

The JLF said all the 60 members of the Nagaland Assembly have united under one banner by setting aside their political ideologies and party affiliations for the Naga political issue in the greater interest of the people and to work towards lasting peace. It assured not only to be the facilitator but play a proactive role.

The meeting called for unity and understanding of all sections of Naga people in order to strengthen the peace process and create an environment that would be conducive for a successful implementation of the peace accord.

It appealed to the government of India to understand and appreciate the Naga people who have made significant sacrifices to ensure that the ceasefire and peace talks are not affected. It further urged the Centre to work towards an early and acceptable political solution.

The members of the JLF, including its chairman, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Opposition leader T.R. Zeliang, extended appreciation to the NSCN (I-M) and the national workers and their families for their contributions and sacrifices in upholding the Naga political issue and for bringing the movement thus far.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]