'PM Narendra Modi Wants Naga Talks to End in 3 Months': RN Ravi

KOHIMA: Nagaland Governor RN Ravi on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed the need to conclude the Naga peace process within three months.

He said the Central government has resolved “all substantive issues” relating to the vexed Naga insurgency in the last five years.

“Before my appointment as Nagaland Governor, Narendra Modi had expressed the need to conclude the peace process within three months time... that is a long enough time because we have been talking and negotiating for the last 22 years,” Ravi said while addressing a large gathering at a grand civic reception organized in his honor at Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Convention Centre here.

“At times I wonder what God has in store for me and all my Naga friends. I pray to Him to give me the wisdom to fulfill his mission, for the deliverance of our people who have been longing for peace for such a long time,” he said.

“In the last five years, we have taken spontaneous steps by including all the stakeholders, both sides trying their best, and there is no reason why we cannot conclude it,” he stated.

“We have resolved all substantive issues including powers that belong to the Naga people and they are the masters. On a few symbolic issues, options were offered and interlocutors were urged to explore,” said Ravi, who is also the government’s interlocutor for the ongoing peace talks with various Naga insurgent groups, including the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).

Moreover, he said, “There was the sincere intention in every attempt but inclusivity was missing: all the Naga armed groups, Naga tribal bodies, Naga civil societies, grassroots leaders, Naga intellectuals, senior citizens, elders and Naga legislators should be included.” (IANS)

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