Nagaland: Attempts to involve civil society on the Naga issue
Guwahati: The Nagaland government has proposed creating a ‘Naga Common Platform’ to unite civil society groups and present a single position on the long-standing Naga political issue.
The idea was discussed during a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on Saturday. The meeting took place at Rhododendron Hall in Chumoukedima, chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Speaking to the press afterward, Deputy Chief Minister and PAC Co-Convenor T R Zeliang said the committee recommended forming an overarching body that could represent the collective views of Naga communities.
Zeliang pointed out that the presence of multiple organisations expressing differing opinions has weakened the community’s bargaining strength. He urged tribal hohos, the apex tribal authorities, to encourage political groups to unite under a single framework. “The solution must be one. There cannot be multiple solutions,” he emphasized.
He added that the focus for the coming months is to bridge internal divisions within civil society, ensuring that all groups can speak with a consistent voice during political negotiations.
While elected representatives act under the Constitution of India, Zeliang stressed that a coordinated civil society approach is essential for effective dialogue.
Although the meeting did not result in a formal resolution, Zeliang described the discussions as extensive and aimed at resolving the ongoing political stalemate.
The Naga peace process has a long history. A significant milestone came on August 3, 2015, when the NSCN(IM) and the Indian government signed the Framework Agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following nearly two decades of negotiations.
Earlier, a ceasefire agreement in 1997 had brought an end to decades of armed conflict in the region.
The government also reached an Agreed Position with the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), an umbrella organisation of seven groups, in December 2017.
However, a final settlement remains pending due to disagreements over demands for a separate Naga flag and constitution.
During the same day, a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rio discussed development issues, including the expansion of Dimapur Airport and challenges at Dimapur Railway Station.
Rio noted that the state government would work with relevant ministries to find solutions, adding, “If the Assam Rifles cannot vacate the current site, an alternative airport location must be provided.”
PAC member MLA Achumbemo Kikon said the committee will continue to actively support efforts to reach a political resolution.
Nagaland govt proposes Naga Common Platform to unite civil society on political issue
He reaffirmed that elected representatives have a responsibility to pursue a sustainable settlement for the Naga political issue.
