Fresh Round of Naga Peace Talks Later This Month or Early Next Month: Sources

Fresh round of talks between the Centre and the NSCN-IM is expected to begin in New Delhi by the end of this month or as early as October. As per reports, this was decided in the meeting between Centre’s representative for the Naga political issue, AK Mishra, and the NSCN-IM leadership, held at Camp Hebron, about 35 kilometres away from Dimapur in Nagaland yesterday.

The meeting lasted for more than a couple of hours and was ‘fruitful’, sources said.

The closed door meeting was attended by NSCN-IM leaders including chairman Q Tuccu, ato kilonser (Secretary general) Th Muivah and other members of the collective leadership.

Mishra’s meeting with the NSCN-IM leadership assumes significance, since the Political Affairs Committee of Nagaland Government along with key stakeholders, had appealed the Centre to elevate the ongoing Naga peace talks to the highest political level by appointing an interlocutor of political or ministerial level, who has the confidence and mandate of the Government.

The appeal was made during resolutions adopted at the first consultative meet on the Naga issue convened by the Nagaland Government on September 12 which was attended by representatives of 37 organisations including tribal hohos, civil society organisations, church bodies, students unions and political parties.

Minister and PAC member secretary, KG Kenye after the consultative meeting had insisted that the talks must pick up again. Kenye maintained that it was time for the Naga political groups to hammer out differences and reach an understanding to ensure one approach with the Government of India.

The Naga peace issue has been hanging in balance for 27 years. Talks have been held with NSCN-IM since 1997 and the NNPGs (7 Naga insurgent outfits) since 2017.

Eight years have passed since the signing of the acclaimed Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 with NSCN-IM and another six years have gone by following the inking of Agreed Position on November 17, 2017 with WC NNPGs.

The NSCN-IM has been insisting for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas and this demand is said to be the bone of contention.

Also Read: https://northeastlivetv.com/topnews/nagaland-govts-consultative-meeting-over-naga-political-issue-with-all-tribal-bodies-today/

Also Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB-PC96wq-o