NSCN-IM demands removal of RN Ravi as peace talks interlocutor

The NSCN-IM has launched a scathing attack on Nagaland Governor and peace interlocutor RN Ravi, accusing him of creating tensions among the parties involved in peace negotiations. The group demanded

The NSCN-IM has launched a scathing attack on Nagaland Governor and peace interlocutor RN Ravi, accusing him of creating tensions among the parties involved in peace negotiations.

The group demanded that the Centre appoint a new interlocutor to take the peace talks forward. The group in a statement stated that the Indian government should come out with an undertaking that Framework Agreement is still alive in its original form and should be handled by somebody other than RN Ravi, who is sensitive enough to understand and respect what has been achieved during the past 23 years.

Notably, NSCN-IM representatives are presently in Delhi to hold talks with the Centre.

The rebel group said that the Indo-Naga political talks is in a state of simmering tension and has reached the tipping point because of Governor RN Ravi’s vitriolic attack on the Naga issue.

The NSCN-IM alleged that the 2015 Framework of Agreement, signed by the group in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was being destroyed by Governor Ravi.

In 1997, the NSCN-IM, the largest of all Naga armed groups, signed a peace treaty and started a dialogue with the Union government. Since then seven other groups have followed suit and the peace talks are said to have expedited under the Narendra Modi government with RN Ravi as the interlocutor.

On October 31, talks concluded as the Naga group and the Centre broadly reached common ground. However, a final agreement is yet to be signed – and the nitty-gritty remains to be worked out.

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