The working committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) said it has not accepted a penny from government of India since the first round of negotiations till date and that it would not accept any money till a solution is arrived at.
In a statement, the committee lamented that so much is being circulated on the visual and social media accusing it of accepting economic and financial packages.
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“The Naga people’s generosity, contribution and prayer support had taken the NNPGs thus far,” the statement said.
It added any attempt to devalue and demean the impending Indo-Naga political solution would be very unfortunate.
The committee assured that any agreement arrived would be signed on behalf of the Naga people with their consent and in the presence of Naga tribal leaders.
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The statement said the “agreed position” signed on November 17, 2017, between the government of India and the working committee recognised the right of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity.
It expressed regret that despite the irreversible historical document placed before the Naga people, Nagaland is in the grip of confusion and distortion of reality.
Reiterating that it had entered the Naga peace process with the blessings and solidarity of the Nagas, the committee assured the Naga people that inter-tribe discourse would be its topmost priority on all matters.
It also reaffirmed that its common pursuit would be to eradicate corruption, tribalism and nepotism from all spheres.
“All Naga tribes must be prepared to shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding the lost confidence and trust within us irrespective of the artificial boundary that separates us,” the committee said.
It reiterated that morally, spiritually, socially, politically and economically strong and vibrant Nagaland will unquestionably determine the pace and progress of resolving the remaining unresolved issues between the government of India and the Nagas.
Saying that it is clear that the first step towards Naga integration and self-determination would be to understand political realities of the time, the committee clarified that the solution would not be confined to Nagaland and that it is for Naga people across “our ancestral land”.
It said the solidarity and support of tribal hohos, civil society groups, gao burhas (village heads), churches and peace mediators and common citizens, as equal partners, stood testimony against any false propaganda.
Stating that transparency remained its strength throughout, the committee said adding it thrived on Naga tribes’ opinion and advises and affirmed that this would remain so in all future endeavours.