Dimapur, July 22: The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs), has issued a pointed rebuttal to the Rising People’s Party (RPP) over its recent public statement on the Indo-Naga political issue. The WC condemned the RPP’s remarks as “ambiguous,” “misguided,” and demonstrative of a fundamental lack of understanding of the complexities surrounding the Indo-Naga peace process.
In a statement released by its media cell, the WC, NNPGs accused the RPP of lacking political maturity and coherence. It described the party as “an unorganized group that struggles to understand the complexities of the current Indo-Naga political discourse.” The WC added that such reckless engagement with a deeply sensitive issue — one that has historically claimed countless lives — is “unwise,” and emphasized the importance of respecting the past in order to honor those who sacrificed for the cause.
The statement criticized the RPP’s performance as a political party, noting its failure to field a single viable candidate in State General Elections. Calling the party “notably ineffective,” the WC claimed that its actions have become more of an obstruction to developmental efforts within Nagaland than a contribution.
The WC further accused the RPP of undermining Naga history, identity, and political aspirations through its negative commentary on the Indo-Naga peace dialogue. It strongly objected to RPP’s characterization of the peace efforts and reiterated that such commentary from a registered Indian political party is “unacceptable.”
“The disruption of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace deal with the Government of India through negative commentary disseminated in the media under the auspices of an Indian political party is unacceptable,” the WC asserted. It added, “Such propositions, whether positive or negative, may only be sanctioned when articulated by a loyal citizen. However, when these statements originate from a registered political party within the state, they cannot be tolerated.”
Clarifying the RPP’s non-negotiating status, the WC emphasized that the party had no right to intervene in the peace process. However, it extended an open invitation to the RPP for broader discussions, should they have any constructive input. “If they have agendas or any suggestive inputs that are beneficial for the common citizens, why not call all the Naga Political Groups to sit across the table and discuss their views?” it stated. “What do the RPP want the Government of India to do? Do the RPP know the Ground Reality?”
The committee also rejected RPP’s criticism of former interlocutor RN Ravi and refuted its interpretation of the “Agreed Position” signed on November 17, 2017, calling such remarks “fundamentally misguided and lacking credibility.”
Responding to RPP’s dismissal of the recent visit by Government of India representative AK Mishra as a “waste of public resources,” the WC said the party lacks understanding of the Indo-Naga political landscape. It urged the RPP, as a newly established Indian political party, to educate itself before making such dismissive statements.
The WC took particular exception to the RPP’s interpretation of the “Agreed Position,” highlighting the importance of the accompanying “Status Paper,” which it described as the product of extensive negotiation, prayer, and effort. According to the WC, the Status Paper provides both political and administrative recognition to Nagas living in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.
“The WC, NNPGs want to emphasize that the ‘Status Paper’ was crafted with extensive effort, resources, and prayer support. Every page reflects careful negotiation between the GOI and NNPGs, honouring Naga history and identity,” it said. “RPP failed to represent the complexities and realities surrounding the ‘Agreed Position’ signed between the Nagas and the GOI.”
