RPP Slams Centre’s Interlocutor A.K. Mishra, Calls Talks with Naga Groups a ‘Waste of Time’

The Rising People’s Party (RPP) has launched a scathing critique of A.K. Mishra, the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, accusing him of misleading the public with what it called “false hopes” and “empty engagements.”

In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, the RPP questioned the purpose of Mishra’s frequent visits to Nagaland, calling them “entirely fruitless” and a “waste of taxpayers’ money.” The party alleged that the government of India had no real intention of resolving the long-standing Naga political issue and that Mishra’s role had become symbolic rather than substantive.

“An experienced bureaucrat like Mr. Mishra should reconsider his repeated trips to Nagaland, which do nothing more than stir excitement among a few, while the broader public remains disillusioned,” the statement read. “Neither he nor the Government of India appears serious about a political solution.”

The remarks came just a day after Mishra chaired a meeting in Chümoukedima with representatives from two rival factions of the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). One faction is headed by N. Kitovi Zhimomi, while the other is led by Neokpao Konyak and Alezo Venuh. Mishra is also expected to meet with representatives of the NSCN (K) Niki group during his ongoing visit.

The RPP dismissed the recent meetings as inconsequential to the broader public. “While certain factions may feel rejuvenated by such engagements, the general sentiment among the people is one of skepticism, if not outright indifference,” the party stated.

The party further accused former interlocutor and ex-Governor of Nagaland, R.N. Ravi, of derailing the peace process by discarding the 2015 Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN (IM) and instead pushing for the 2017 Agreed Position with the NNPGs.

“R.N. Ravi widened the divide between stakeholders by setting aside the Framework Agreement and ushering in a new pact without consensus. That mistake continues to haunt the peace process,” the statement alleged.

Despite several rounds of negotiations over the years, a final solution to the decades-old Naga political conflict remains elusive. The dual agreements—the Framework Agreement with NSCN (IM) and the Agreed Position with NNPGs—have yet to be harmonized into a unified settlement acceptable to all factions and the Naga public.

While A.K. Mishra has maintained a consistent schedule of consultations, especially with civil society and political groups in Nagaland, the RPP’s comments reflect growing frustration with what some see as performative diplomacy rather than meaningful progress.

As the peace process drags on, the Centre’s interlocutor faces increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible outcomes. For many in Nagaland, patience is wearing thin, and the RPP’s statement may mark a turning point in public discourse over the credibility of ongoing talks.

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