NSCN-IM to hold talks with govt over flag, Constitution
Naga gov will be in Delhi for dialogue next week
Nagaland governor R.N. Ravi, who is also the Prime Minister’s envoy for the Naga peace talks, will leave for New Delhi next week to hold talks with the collective leadership of the Nationalist Social Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) led by its general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, to sort out differences on a flag and separate constitution for Nagaland and on setting up a memorial for Naga rebels in Kohima.
Sources said a NSCN(IM) delegation left for New Delhi on Friday to join its 86-year-old general secretary Th. Muivah, who is in Delhi and also battling some health issues. They clarified the NSCN (I-M) team was asked to reach
New Delhi a bit due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
They said a consensus had already been reached on most issues, but the NSCN (I-M) was insisting on “rhetorical issues” like a flag and separate constitution for Nagaland, besides a museum or war memorial of arms and ammunition of the Naga rebels in Kohima.
The sources said the terms and conditions for the surrender of arms and ammunition and disbanding of armed rebels had been finalised, hinting that the government may allow the NSCN (I-M) and other stakeholders to have their own flag. They added that the Centre may also agree to set up a memorial of the arms/ammunition surrendered by all rebel groups.
Security sources said, contrary to some reports, it was not possible for the government to sign a peace accord with the Naga rebels by August 15, as a lot of constitutional and legal exercises had to be completed before that. They clarified there will be only one agreement, in which all Naga stakeholders would be signatories.
The powerful Nagaland Tribes Council has, meanwhile, welcomed the resumption of talks, which began on July 14 with the working committee of the Naga National Political Groups.