Kohima, September 4: The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Government has called on the Centre to elevate the Naga peace talks to the highest political level by appointing an interlocutor of ministerial or political rank with the full confidence and mandate of the Union Government.
The appeal was made during a crucial PAC meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday. The committee resolved that the decades-long negotiations must now resume at the political level to accelerate progress and move towards a final settlement.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton, cabinet ministers, MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, advisors to the Chief Minister, and MLAs.
An official statement noted that the PAC reaffirmed the resolutions of the Consultative Meeting held on September 12, 2024, which had brought together tribal bodies, civil society groups, church leaders, NGOs, unions, student organizations, and political parties.
Expressing appreciation to both the Government of India and Naga Political Groups (NPGs) for maintaining the ceasefire and sustaining dialogue for over two decades, the PAC urged all stakeholders to strengthen unity and avoid further divisions.
The committee appealed to all political groups and workers to refrain from factionalism, breakaway movements, or formation of new outfits, stressing that Naga unity is crucial for a comprehensive and lasting solution.
