Naga Political Issue Close to Being Resolved: BJP Chief Nadda at Election Rally

GG News Bureau

Kohima, 15th Feb. BJP President J P Nadda on Tuesday stated that the solution to the Naga political issue is reaching its final stage as the Narendra Modi government is working tirelessly on it.

Nadda also stated at an election rally here that the commitments made to the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, which is seeking a separate state, will be fulfilled in letter and spirit.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is eager to resolve the Naga political issue while Union Home Minister Amit Shah has tirelessly worked on it. It has come to the final stage,” the BJP president said at the rally held in support of the candidates of the BJP and ally NDPP.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and state BJP president Temjen Imna Along are witnesses that the Centre has taken lots of efforts to solve the decades-old issue, he said.

Released the BJP's manifesto for Nagaland Assembly Election 2023. This Sankalp Patra of the BJP, encompasses a robust roadmap for the state's all-round holistic development & outlines the means to achieve continued progress, prosperity and peace in Nagaland. pic.twitter.com/oi2DzAfgZX

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) February 14, 2023

To address the decades-old issue, the Centre government has held separate negotiations with the NSCN-IM since 1997 and the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Group (NNPG), which includes at least seven groups, since 2017.

In 2015, the Modi government signed a Framework Agreement with NSCN-IM, and in 2017, it reached an agreement with NNPGs. However, the final solution has yet to be reached, with the NSCN-IM remaining steadfast in its demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution.

He stated that the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has been discussing the issue with the Union Home Minister and that any commitment made will be followed in letter and spirit.

The ENPO, which has been advocating for a separate state – Frontier Nagaland – comprised of the six districts of Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamatore, and Noklak, has called for a poll boycott in order to press their case. They, on the other hand, withdrew it earlier this month.

“We understand the national commitment but also understand the regional aspirations of the Nagas and we have to assimilate and go forward,” he said.

Nadda stated that the BJP is committed to moving forward in the northeastern state for the next five years under the leadership of Rio, who is also the NDPP president.

The NDPP and the BJP are contesting the February 27 assembly election in a 40:20 split.

Rio, who was also present at the rally, expressed gratitude to the Centre for its support of the Nagaland government and assured the NDPP and BJP of a strong coalition.

“We have come to the last part of the first term which has been successful and provided a stable government giving out the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Northeast,” he said.

Rio, on the other hand, expressed regret that a solution to the Naga political issue has yet to be reached, despite the fact that MLAs from all parties came together.

“The 60 members of the assembly came together to run an opposition-less government to show our commitment that we want a solution. But, I hope if we continue to work with dedication and commitment, a solution will be achieved as the prime minister and the Union home minister have shown their commitment to the solution,” he said.