KOHIMA : The Naga Hoho, the apex body representing Nagas across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and parts of Myanmar, has called on the central government to make a genuine and determined effort to find a lasting resolution to the Naga political issue.

This appeal was made during the Naga Hoho’s first federal assembly for the 2024-28 tenure, held in Dimapur recently.

In a statement issued by the Naga Hoho, the organization stated, “The Government of India should make an honest, determined, and concerted effort to bring about a permanent solution to the Naga issue that is acceptable, inclusive, and sustainable to all the stakeholders.”

The Naga Hoho stated that peace talks between the Nagas and the Indian government have been ongoing for 27 years, beginning with the first ceasefire agreement signed on July 25, 1997.

Over the years, various agreements have been made, including the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, and the Agreed Position on November 17, 2017.

“However, every accord signed by the Government of India with the Nagas has been inconclusive due to the lack of integrity and political will of the Government of India,” the statement alleged.

The Naga Hoho stressed that “the absence of open conflict is not permanent peace” and reiterated the need for the Centre to make a sincere effort to resolve the ongoing issue.

The organization also attributed recent ethnic conflicts in the region, such as the Kuki-Meitei conflict in Manipur, to the “irresponsible, complacent, and short-sighted policies” of both state and central governments.