State

Naga solution anytime soon, says Ravi

R.N. Ravi with Neiphiu Rio, Y. Patton and others at the civic reception at NBCC convention centre, Kohima Friday. (NP)

Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 16 (NPN) | Publish Date: 8/16/2019 11:52:12 AM IST

Governor of Nagaland R.N. Ravi, who is also Interlocutor to Naga political talks, disclosed that prior to being named as the Governor of Nagaland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tasked him to settle the Naga political issue within three months on the principle of equality and mutual respect and all issues have been resolved.

Ravi stated this while addressing a mammoth gathering at the grand civic reception accorded in his honour at NBCC convention hall Kohima, Friday.

He said that during the five years of negotiations, several landmarks were reached with the Naga groups and saw no reason why solution should be further delayed for “symbolic issues”.

Ravi said he saw no reason as to why solution should have to wait for three months, as continuation of the status quo (without solution) as it stood, meant multiple governments with multiple taxations and fear of guns which were unbearable for Nagas and unacceptable to the government of India. On the issue of integration, he said the negotiating parties understood the sentiments among the neighboring states and have not opposed to it. Instead, Ravi said the negotiating parties conceded and accepted that it was the legitimate rights of the Naga people to pursue and achieve integration through democratic political process.

Ravi said that after being appointed as Interlocutor, a review was done on the process undertaken by previous government and it was found that despite sincere attempts, the “process was not inclusive”.

He said the changed approach was through inclusiveness of all the Naga armed groups, Naga tribal bodies, civil societies, grass-root leaders, Naga intellectuals, senior citizens and the Naga legislators since Naga political issue belonged to all Nagas and no organization has exclusive franchise over it.

Ravi said the cooperation extended by all stakeholders for finding a solution was overwhelming.

Ravi also hinted that the settlement must be on the basis of power sharing and inclusive peaceful co-existence through this principle it was resolved that all the substantive issues including power belong to Naga people .

He said there would be no solution if political reality was disregarded and added “with this, let us welcome the most honorable and dignified solution and things that have achieved on this principle”.

Ravi said though he did not know what God has in store for Nagas, yet he prayed for deliverance of Nagas from despair to hope and from darkness to light. Ravi said he was pained to see Nagas still struggling for basic necessities like good road, power, health, and education when see the rest of the country were moving with much fast pace of growth and development.

He also lamented that despite Naga youth being more talented than youths of other states, the dark shadow of the long unresolved Naga political issue cast a shadow in almost every aspect of Nagas life and said this shadow must go.

On the apprehension of fear because of scrapping of Article 370, Ravi re-assured that there will not be anything like that since Article 371(A) was an agreement that was made after long deliberations between the government of India and the Nagas.

He said Article 371(A) is sacred and it was not temporary or impermanent as Article 370 and so any parallel being drawn between the two would be a gross misunderstanding.

Ravi further assured that there was nothing to worry and instead, the negotiation was trying to bring something more than Article 371 (A).

He thanked all the tribal bodies and civil societies who accorded him the civic reception to him and his wife. Ravi also committed to serve the Nagas to the best of his ability and strength and considered his appointment as Nagaland governor was a divine wish.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated that as Nagas have high expectation from the governor and exuded confidence that the Naga political issue would be resolved during his tenure and assured of his cooperation for ushering peace in the land.

Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) president, KekongchimYimchunger welcomed the governor who had been associated with Nagas and therefore, his appointment as governor has brought him more closer to the people. He appreciated the pragmatic approach and dedication of the governor in the ongoing Naga political talks.

Yimchunger also clarified that the demand of Frontier Nagaland was purely based on its domestic problems and historical rights and with no ill intention to any particular community or group.

In this regard Yimchunger appealed that the two issues, Frontier Nagaland and Naga political issue should not be misinterpreted in any manner and appealed to bring out the best possible solution for the Nagas without compromising the identity of Nagas at the earliest possible time.

He also exuded confidence that the governor will not forget the people of Eastern Nagaland and deliver justice in every aspect who was crying for justice right from the inception of Nagaland State.

CNTC president N. Matong Jamir in his brief address congratulated Ravi for being appointed as the governor. He acknowledged Ravi’s intimate knowledge of Nagas and said he was positive that Naga peace talk will be surely be expedited and concluded with him (Ravi) as the bridge between the government of India and the Nagas.

Tenyimia Public Organization (TPO) president Timikha Koza in his welcome note said the governor stand out distinctly from other Governors because of his background of being interlocutor of GoI before becoming the Governor of the State of Nagaland.

He expressed the hope that Ravi will be the People’s Governor and will guide the Naga People from his heart to build and strengthen Nagas which will bear testimony of his commitment to peace.

Host of legislators, senior government officials, tribal bodies and others attended the civic reception.

Earlier, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Nagaland invoked God’s blessing while chief secretary Temjen Toy proposed concluding remark.

A song titled “Any dream will do” was presented by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club while “Aghutomi Philokuwo” was presented by Sürumi Cultural Society, Kohima. “God is our refuge” by Baptist Revival Church, Kohima and “Jai Ho” by Purple Fusion.

Nagaland chief secretary, Temjen Toy gave the concluding remarks.