Following their meetings, Pandey and Muivah disclosed that both the parties were confident of working out a settlement to the Naga political problem, in the “shortest possible time.”

 

The joint statement said: “sustained negotiations over the past few months have led to a set of proposals for an honorable political settlement based on the uniqueness of Naga history and situation which was recognized by the government of India in 2002 as well the contemporary realities and a future vision consistent with the imperatives of the 21st century.” To expedite and realize the dream, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) which initiated for “reconciliation” amongst the Naga underground groups has not wasted time to make things more concretized.

One of the major developments in recent time is the three Naga underground groups - NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN entering into a “Joint Declaration” titled “Naga Concordant.” According to this Joint Declaration, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed to ensure the realization of the proposed “Naga National Government.”

On August 22, the six leaders of the underground groups met wherein it was “agreed to strengthen and broaden the peace process based on the uniqueness of the Naga history – our historical and political rights.”

This joint statement is a step towards actualization of the resolution of August 20 and 22 and it accorded the following points:

Reconciled: on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas.

Acknowledge: that we have hurt one another and that in the spirit of love we have forgiven each other; and are prepared to understand each other towards a shared future.

Reaffirm: the resolve not to harbor any non-Naga organizations adverse to the Naga political cause as discussed in Chaing Mai II and IV, and subsequently signed on January 15, 2010 in Dimapur, Nagaland. Furthermore, serious note is taken on the harboring of non-Naga organizations opposed to the Naga political cause and hence, strongly denounce such acts.

Disengage: in and from all forms of actions and associations detrimental to the Historical and Political cause of the Nagas.

Affirm: to work for the territorial integrity of all Nagas.

Any Interim: arrangement of political rights of the Nagas shall be outside of the purview of the Indian constitution per se.

This significant political development was welcomed by Political Affairs Committee of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and also by Joint Parliamentary Forum. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the DAN as facilitator would be able to make positive contribution towards peace, unity and reconciliation.

President of the ruling major Naga People’s Front (NPF) Dr Shurhozelie commented on the recent political development and the formation of the “Naga National Government.” He reminded that the NPF always strived for political settlement but added that, so far, no one really knew what kind of settlement was to be made. He, however, welcomed any kind of settlement that could bring lasting peace in the land and at the same time asserted that if and when settlement came, the NPF would keep its commitment in paving the way for it. The NPF, being a political party, would continue to appeal for inclusiveness of all underground groups in the reconciliation process for settlement as initiated by the FNR.

The aggressive posture of pushing the contentious Naga integration issue has gradually died down and even the most vocal United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur has changed the game. They now demand the Center for an “Alternative arrangement” for the Nagas living in the trouble torn Manipur. Towards this, tripartite talks amongst the Center, the State Government of Manipur and the UNC started but after some rounds of talks, it remained stalled.

Yet, there is hardly anyone who can give any time factor for the solution. This is the actual problem and everyone remains confused as they do not know what type of solution they are going to get out of the political negotiations. It is still unpredictable when to see the settlement to the longstanding Naga political issue.