NPF Hits back at WC-NNPG, calls for unity on Naga solution

Kohima, June 23: The war of words over the Naga peace process intensified on Monday, with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) strongly rejecting allegations levelled by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) and urging all stakeholders to focus on unity rather than blame.

Responding to a recent statement by the WC-NNPG, which accused the NPF of undermining the Indo-Naga peace process and compromising Naga interests on issues ranging from the oil exploration MoU to the exit of former interlocutor R.N. Ravi, the NPF dismissed the charges as baseless and divisive.

The party said the Naga political issue transcends individual leaders, organisations and political parties, and warned against creating unnecessary divisions at a time when Nagas face critical challenges requiring collective wisdom and cooperation.

Rejecting allegations that it had prevented members of the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation from meeting the Prime Minister, the NPF termed the claim “false” and maintained that Gaon Buras should focus on their traditional responsibilities relating to village administration and customary governance.

The party also refuted suggestions that it played any role in the transfer of former interlocutor R.N. Ravi, stating that appointments and transfers of Government of India representatives are entirely the prerogative of the Centre.

On the contentious June 11 oil exploration MoU signed between India, Assam and Nagaland, the NPF acknowledged public concerns over ownership of natural resources but argued that the issue must be viewed in the broader context of the decades-old Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute.

The party pointed out that oil and mineral exploration activities in disputed areas predate the recent agreement and cautioned against reducing a complex issue to a single memorandum of understanding.

Reiterating its commitment to an inclusive and honourable political settlement, the NPF recalled the September 2024 consultative meeting convened by the Nagaland government, where tribal bodies, church organisations, civil society groups, student unions, MPs and MLAs had unanimously urged the Centre to appoint a political-level interlocutor with full authority to advance negotiations.

The party also drew attention to the recent killing of six Naga civilians in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, saying the safety and security of Naga communities should remain a priority even as political talks continue.

“The Naga people do not want endless debate. They want a just, honourable, acceptable and inclusive political solution that protects their history, identity, rights and future,” the NPF said.

The latest exchange highlights growing differences among Naga political stakeholders even as efforts continue to push for a long-awaited resolution to the decades-old Naga political issue.

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