Naga peace talks elevated to ministerial level, says CM Rio; students skip I-Day over Vande Mataram

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced on Saturday that the long-standing Naga peace process has been elevated to the ministerial level. The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee, headed by a Union Minister of State, to lead the talks.

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Our people yearn for an early solution.

Rio stated that the state cabinet had met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in February to convey the Naga people's desire for the peace talks to be conducted at the highest political level. He expressed gratitude to the Indian government for establishing the committee, which he believes will facilitate an early and honorable solution to the protracted political issue.

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As assured by the Union Home Minister in the meeting, a Committee under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India has been recently constituted to lead the Naga peace talks. We are grateful to the Government of India for responding to the request of our people and civil societies for elevating the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the ministerial level by constituting the Committee.

"Our people yearn for an early solution," Rio said, emphasizing the collective accomplishments of the Naga people while acknowledging the unresolved political issue. He added that the state government remains committed to its role as an active facilitator in the peace process.

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The state government reaffirms its commitment to continue playing the role of an active facilitator in the peace process for the realization of our long cherished dream of an honourable and acceptable solution (to the protracted political issue) at the earliest possible.

Meanwhile, Independence Day celebrations in Nagaland were marked by the absence of student parade contingents. The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) issued a directive protesting the mandatory singing of the full version of the national song, "Vande Mataram," at official functions. The NSF stated that while Naga people respect national symbols, their concern lies with the compulsory participation in "Vande Mataram," particularly due to its devotional imagery, which conflicts with the beliefs of some students.

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Naga people have no objection to the celebration of India’s Independence Day or to showing due respect to the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols, but its concern lies with the compulsory participation of students in Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery conflicts with the conscience and sincerely held beliefs of students.