Kohima, July 18: In a renewed bid to resolve the decades-old Naga political issue, the Centre’s interlocutor for peace talks, A.K. Mishra, held a joint meeting with key Naga political groups in Dimapur, Nagaland, on Thursday. The meeting aimed to accelerate discussions for a long-awaited political settlement.
Mishra, who serves as Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Northeast Affairs, met with two factions of the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs)—one led by N. Kitovi Zhimomi and the other by Neokpao Konyak and Alezo Venuh. He is also expected to hold talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki group during his ongoing visit.
Speaking to the media, Zhimomi, convenor of the Working Committee of NNPGs, reaffirmed the collective demand for an early and inclusive resolution. “We reiterated the need for a political solution without further delay,” he said.
Working Convenor Isak Sumi, representing the Konyak-led faction, echoed similar views, stressing the need for unity among all Naga political stakeholders. “The ultimate objective is for all Naga political groups to come together, reach a consensus, and collectively pursue a final solution,” Sumi stated, emphasizing the importance of a unified voice.
The Government of India has been engaged in peace negotiations with various Naga groups since the signing of the ceasefire with the NSCN-IM in 1997 and the Framework Agreement in 2015. Parallel dialogues with the NNPGs began in 2017, culminating in the signing of the Agreed Position later that year.
