The CNTC today held a consultative meeting with its senior citizens on the Naga political issue, at the CNTC office. The meeting discussed perspectives, challenges and the way forward towards an acceptable and lasting solution.

The meeting comes amid growing calls from different sections of society for an early solution to the Naga political issue, with the CNTC also pressing for the same. The NSCN signed the Framework Agreement with the Government of India (GOI), while the NNPGs signed the Agreed Position with the GOI. No resolution was adopted at the meeting.
 

Padma Bhushan awardee and former Nagaland Chief Minister and former Governor SC Jamir noted that two major agreements had been signed between the GOI and Naga groups, yet the discussion on a solution continued.
 

"Despite two major political agreements made between GOI and Naga groups, even today we're talking about solution. Though they have already solved and yet we're talking about solution. What a paradox. I don't understand," he said.

He said both agreements fall within the Constitution of India, and that it is therefore the responsibility of the Government of India to act accordingly.

Jamir urged the CNTC to convince all the Hohos, the Government of Nagaland and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to endorse, or reiterate their endorsement of, the political issue, “so that there is no repercussions as far as overground is concerned.”

Retired IAS officer KK Sema said both the NSCN-IM and the NNPGs were negotiating for the future welfare and destiny of the people.

"I can very well say that the competency clauses that has been reflected by the NNPGs and the NSCN-IM are basically the same, where rights of the Nagas, identity of the Nagas, have all been carefully covered," he said.

According to Sema, the only difference is that the NSCN-IM is speaking about a flag and a constitution. He said neither agreement raises the issue of sovereignty or integration.

Sema also pointed out that the NSCN-IM is yet to officially make its competency clauses public. "What is the secrecy? When it our future," he said.