In a significant development in Naga talks, the stakeholders from the frontier states of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, including 12 legislators from Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, have joined the consultation process and submitted their point of view on Naga talks.
Apart from 12-legislators, a delegation of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union and Arunachal Pradesh Naga Students federation also met the Prime Minister’s envoy for Naga talks R.N. Ravi in New Delhi and presented their point of view on Naga peace accord.
Disclosing that Arunachal Pradesh Naga Students Federation and other stakeholders have mooted the idea of forming Patkai autonomous development council for Naga dominated areas of the frontier state; authoritative security sources told this newspaper that the delegation of legislators has also extended their support for resolution of conflict.
This came close on the heels of Mr Ravi’s two-days long visit to Manipur for consultation with stakeholders, security sources said adding that despite their reservation on demand of NSCN (I-M) for integration of Naga dominated areas, most of the stakeholders from the frontier state have stressed the need of an early resolution of the conflict situation.
Mr Ravi said about his Manipur visit there has been confusion in Mani-pur due to lack of communication. He said he clarified a lot of misgivings and confusions in consultation meetings hosted by the United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Club Organisation and Committee on Civil Society of Kangleipak, Mr Ravi said, “We are working for a comprehensive solution of the Naga problem so we need to take the view of all the stakeholders on board.”
He also admitted that UCM has pleaded that territorial integrity and boundary of the state should not be compromised but they also want resolution of Naga problem.
Asserting that views of all the stakeholders would be taken into account, Mr Ravi said that adequate weightage would also be given to their opinion. “If necessary I may visit Manipur again, Mr Ravi said, “The Naga peace accord is for everyone. We have made it very clear, it is inclusive. We will take everyone’s views on board and try to reach a very comprehensive peace. It is not just for one or the other.”