On June 13, the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) urged the Government of India (GoI) to reconsider signing of Karbi Anglong Peace Accord following reports of a proposed move by the GoI and the Assam Government to create Karbi-Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC), reports Morung Express. In a press statement, the WC of NNPGs stated that any accord signed in the tribal belt that endangers the historical, demographic, political and cultural identity of the Nagas will be against the spirit of the ongoing political dialogue between GoI and WC, NNPGs. Further stating, ‘Zeliangrong areas of North Cachar, Rengma Region including Mikir Hills and other Naga Tribal Areas should not be brought under the purview of any agreement till such areas are reassigned to the respective Naga Tribes and the Constitutional position as of 1949 is restored’, the WC cautioned that any such agreement without taking into consideration the Naga pan identity may create discord among the communities.
Meanwhile, United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) reacting to the proposed KAATC, claimed on June 13, that the original settlers of present Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao areas of Assam are Rengma, Zeme and Zeliangrong Nagas, reports Northeast Now. UNTABA urged the Centre to go back to history and acknowledge the historical facts if it intends to really bring about permanent political settlement with any ethnic community in the North East.