Naga Groups Urge Balance Between History and Reality Amid Ongoing Talks

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Dimapur, Nagaland - The Working Committee of seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has emphasized the need to reconcile historical realities with contemporary circumstances in the ongoing Naga peace talks. In a statement, the group cautioned against what it called "selective amnesia" among the apex Naga tribal bodies, warning that this could hinder progress towards a lasting solution. The NNPGs pointed out that many tribal hohos had actively participated in the consultations between 2016 and 2019, issuing joint statements as key stakeholders in the talks. They stressed that the Agreed Position signed between the NNPGs and the Centre in 2017 was the result of extensive consultations with various Naga groups, churches, and village leaders. However, the group criticized the breakdown of communication after the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Centre and the NSCN-IM in 2015. They claimed that the NSCN "cut off all communication lines" with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, tribal bodies, and civil society, leaving the Nagas uncertain about their future. The NNPGs warned against emotional rhetoric at a time when thousands of educated Naga youth are entering a competitive world. They acknowledged that total Naga integration may not be possible at present but emphasized the need to balance the right of Nagas to determine their future with contemporary political realities. The NNPGs reiterated their commitment to a "workable" solution and continued negotiations, while the NSCN-IM has remained firm on its demands for a separate flag, constitution, and the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas, which have been rejected by the Centre. This has delayed a final solution to the decades-old Naga Political Issue.