Accusing Nagaland Governor RN Ravi of creating hurdles in the final settlement of the Naga political issue, the Isak-Muivah faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) on Tuesday sought his removal as the interlocutor for the ongoing peace talks.
In a statement issued by the outfit’s information wing, NSCN-IM said the peace process is in a state of “simmering tension” and reaching “tipping point” because of Ravi’s “vitriolic attack” on Naga issue.
Meanwhile, 14 Apex Naga Tribal Hohos of Nagaland and the Lotha Hoho, in separate statements have backed the continuance of R.N.Ravi as Interlocutor.
On the demand for replacing Ravi, the tribal hohos said “this is not the time for negative campaign” as it could only delay the process and lead to another endless negotiations while remaining in one’s comfort zone “at the cost of peace and tranquility”.
The Lotha Hoho expressing concern stated that said much effort and time was already invested by all stakeholders in negotiations and replacing the Interlocutor now would “go back to zero” and everything would have to start afresh.
The NSCN (IM), on the other hand stating that the actions of Ravi after he was posted as Governor of Nagaland last year as casting a “huge trust deficit”, the outfit added that he (Ravi) has “set the bridge on fire and the meeting point is something unthinkable”.
This situation may further delay settlement of the decades long Naga political issue.