Naga settlement only after consulting all stake-holders: MHA

The Centre on Thursday clarified that all stake-holders, including Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups.

The Union Home Ministry issued the clarification following rumours being spread in some sections of media, including social media, that "final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon".

"This is creating anxiety and concern in some parts of the country," said the statement.

"It is clarified that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stake-holders including States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration," it said, stressing "no credence needs to be given to such rumours and incorrect information".

Getting nod from the apex leadership of all 14 Naga tribes and various stake-holders in a meeting held in Nagaland on October 18, the Centre had said that it had determined to conclude the peace process without delay after the overwhelming support in favour of a settlement of the issue.

Noting that "endless negotiation under the shadow of guns is not acceptable", a statement from the Naga interlocutor's office said that the Central government expects all negotiating parties to heed the will of the people, and facilitate the conclusion of the Naga peace process within the stipulated time.

As the 22-year-old Naga talks between the Centre and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah stand on shaky ground with some leaders of the groups adopting a "procrastinating attitude" by raising the contentious symbolic issues of separate Naga national flag and Constitution on which they are fully aware of the Centre's position, Centre's representative and interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, R.N. Ravi on Friday held a detailed consultation meeting with the primary stake-holders of the Naga society.

The meeting was attended by the apex leadership of all the 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland, all the minority non-Naga tribes of Nagaland, the Nagaland GB (Gaon Burahs) Federation, the Nagaland Tribes Council, the Church leaders and civil society organisations, said the statement.

It said that primary stake-holders - tribal and civil society organisations from Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam -- were involved in the peace process and made valuable contributions through regular consultations and insightful inputs, said, adding the Church leaders with their constant prayers and goodwill have immensely contributed to the cause of enduring peace.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that agreements with the NSCN (I-M) on August 3, 2015 and with seven Naga armed groups under the banner of Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on November 17, 2017 -- on the political parameters of the settlement were signed, the statement said, adding that a mutually agreed draft comprehensive settlement, including all the substantive issues and competencies, is ready for inking the final agreement.IANS