Kohima: As the Naga Political Issue (NPI) remains unresolved, the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) has appointed a new leadership team to carry forward negotiations with the Centre.
NSCN(U) president MB Neokpao Konyak has been named the new convener, while P Tikhak and Isak Sumi have been appointed as working conveners, according to an official statement issued on Friday.
Reaffirming their commitment to achieving a logical and honorable political solution, the NNPGs emphasized that the leadership change was made after carefully assessing the current political scenario.
The three newly appointed leaders will work in close coordination with all affiliates to address key issues related to the Naga peace process.
Their tenure has been set for three years, subject to further review. Additionally, Ghukiho T Zhimomi has been retained as the member secretary of WC-NNPGs until further notice.
The WC-NNPGs, comprising seven Naga groups, has been in formal negotiations with the Centre since November 2017, resulting in an ‘Agreed Position’ between both parties.
Meanwhile, the Centre has also been engaging with the NSCN-IM since the 1997 ceasefire agreement, culminating in the signing of the ‘Framework Agreement’ in 2015.
Despite a 2019 declaration by former Nagaland Governor RN Ravi stating that peace talks had concluded, the process remains stalled due to the NSCN-IM’s continued demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution, which the Centre has not accepted.
The newly appointed WC-NNPGs leadership is expected to play a crucial role in steering the negotiations toward a resolution.