Dimapur, September 17: The Nagaland Government’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC), representatives of the NSCN-IM and the State Cabinet held discussions on the Naga political issue and other matters, including oil exploration in the State, at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima on 16th September, Wednesday.
Speaking to the media after the meetings, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said the Naga political issue remains under process and informed that the State Cabinet will travel to New Delhi on Thursday, September 17, in connection with matters concerning the ongoing political process.
Asked about the recent statements made by former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr S.C. Jamir following his September 10 meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New Delhi, Rio declined to comment, saying, “No comments.” Jamir had subsequently told the media that he approached the RSS leadership to address what he described as confusion surrounding the Naga political issue and to urge the Centre to work towards an early settlement.
Meanwhile, Advisor to the Chief Minister and MLA Achumbemo Kikon, while speaking on the issue concerning the disputed area, described the relationship between the concerned sides as that of neighbours and said discussions were taking place in a friendly manner. He further indicated that a cultural exchange programme could be organised in the near future.
On the NSCN-IM side, Ato Kilonser V.S. Atem and MCL R.H. Raising told the media that the progress of the Naga political issue was ultimately dependent on the Government of India, stating that the matter was now “in the ball of the court” of the government.
The NSCN-IM leaders also reacted to Dr S.C. Jamir’s recent press conference, questioning his authority to speak on behalf of the Nagas in general. They alleged that Jamir was speaking in what they described as the language of the Government of India.
