Rio urges Government to expedite Naga peace talks

Nagaland MP Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged the government to expedite the ongoing Naga peace talks a year after the historic Naga Framework Agreement was signed.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rio, who has thrice served as Nagaland chief minister, said that the issue should be settled fast.

"It has been 19 years since the ceasefire agreement was signed and the formal talk at the highest level was initiated. Till date, more than hundred rounds of talks have been held but they are yet to reach a logical conclusion. How much longer must the talk continue before we reach the final settlement? "asked Rio.

Stating that unless the issue was addressed with utmost seriousness and the Centre treated it as a national crisis, the situation could deteriorate and spin out of control again.

"An early settlement that is honourable and acceptable to the people, democratic in nature and one that upholds truth and justice, so as to allow Nagas to live in permanent peace should be urgently reached,"said Rio.

The Naga Peace Accord, also known as the Naga Framework Agreement was inked on Aug 3, 2015 between NSCN (IM) and the Indian Government, aiming to end the six decade long conflict in the state.

--IANS

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