Kohima, July 31: The Rising People’s Party (RPP) has issued a sharp critique of the Government of India’s interlocutor for the Naga peace talks, AK Mishra, accusing him of undermining current efforts aimed at fostering Naga unity.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the RPP said Mishra’s approach was akin to putting the cart before the horse, and called for him to take a pause from his engagements.
The party raised several pointed questions regarding the present status of the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position, asking whether these documents remain relevant and if Mishra has succeeded in bringing all warring Naga factions together for a final settlement. “If yes, what is the time frame for this settlement? These are some of the queries which he needs to answer sincerely,” the RPP said.
Expressing deep frustration over the constant shifting of goalpost and lack of transparency, the RPP declared, “We sincerely request Mr. Mishra to take a BREAK.” The party emphasized that a Naga-led initiative toward unity should take precedence and advised the interlocutor to refrain from “fishing in troubled waters.”
The RPP also slammed the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) formed by the ruling NDPP-BJP coalition, describing it as redundant and performative. The party demanded its disbandment, alleging it merely served to peddle the impression that the state government was actively engaged in the peace process.
In a broader political swipe, the RPP accused current political leaders of being “self-serving” and too focused on personal legacies. The party said such leadership had failed to grasp the political temperament of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who “respects strength.” According to the RPP, only a united Naga front can demonstrate such strength, warning that a fragmented approach risks being met with indifference or even disdain by the Centre.
“Entities chasing self-serving goals at the cost of unity should be careful lest history denounce them as puppets and traitors,” the statement concluded.
