Is Delhi ready to give the flag to the Nagas?

The push for a solution to the long-pending Naga political issue gained momentum again with the talks between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India resumed in New Delhi today.

NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah led the 9 member NSCN-IM delegation during the resumption of talks in which the core issues of separate flag and constitution were discussed.

According to sources, the two parties discussed how to accommodate and respect each other’s rights and interests regarding flag usage.

Sources also said that there will be another round of discussion bwteen two parties on August 25.

It may be mentioned here that the Government of India had earlier agreed to allow the Nagas to use their traditional flag but only on cultural purposes and not to fly it alongside the Indian national flag.

According to sources, the government of India has earlier categorically stated that once this round of discussion is able to narrow the differences relating to the demand for a separate flag and constitution, the talks can be elevated to the next level or in a political level where Union Home Minister Amit Shah could well participate in that and take it forward until the two sides are ready to sign on the dotted line that will bring an agreement to the Naga peace talks.

The Naga peace talks had hit a deadlock, after the NSCN-IM passed a resolution saying that they are not going to sign the accord until and unless the government of India concedes to their demand of a separate flag and constitution for the Naga people. The resolution was adopted at its emergency national assembly at General Headquarters Church, Naga Army, at Hebron Camp near Dimapur, which was attended by over 2000 of its cadres at various levels last year.

The Naga peace talks have been lingering for more than 25 years since the ceasefire agreement was signed in 1997.