GoI-NSCN (I-M) talks inconclusive
Setting at rest all speculations that the solution to the Naga political issue could be delayed due to the unresolved demand of the NSCN (I-M) for inclusion of Naga flag and constitution in the agreement, government of India’s Interlocutor to the Naga Peace Talks R.N. Ravi has emphatically reiterated that the October 31 deadline will be met under any circumstances as promised earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ravi’s statement comes after several round of talks on Monday with NSCN (I-M) negotiators led by Th. Muivah that ended inconclusively. Earlier, the meetings held on October 24 and 26 prior to the October 31 deadline also ended inconclusive over the same issue.
Ravi made his categorical statement when contacted by Nagaland Post. Ravi reiterated that “the time-frame of October 31st stands. I have emphatically reiterated today also”.
On Monday’s meeting, Ravi said it was “inconclusive” but that both sides were “keen to resolve the issue”. The meeting was held between Ravi and NSCN (I-M) delegation led by ato kilonser and chief negotiator, Th. Muivah in New Delhi.
Asked if he would still be meeting with NSCN (I-M) even as the October 31 deadline was drawing to a close, he said, “We would like to make the best use of the three days left.”
Reliable sources confirmed to Nagaland Post that though Monday’s meeting held over three hours was inconclusive both have agreed to meet again on October 29 and possibly on subsequent days in the run up to October 31 deadline.
If the effort to iron out the demand for flag and constitution was positive, sources said the Interlocutor would convene a joint meeting with NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs to work out the modalities before signing the final agreement.
It may be recalled that NSCN (I-M) has raised the demand for Naga flag and constitution and made it clear there would be no going back on this. On the other hand, the government of India had made it clear that these demands were unacceptable as they were not included either in the Framework Agreement nor in the Preamble (with NNPGs)
The Interlocutor is also scheduled to meet Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on October 29 (Tuesday) in New Delhi.
NNPGs were questioned by a section of society for allegedly giving up on the issue of flag and constitution which they (NNPGs) have maintained the stand that though they have not given up on the issues yet these would be pursued through democratic political process, post solution.
It may be recalled that before heading for New Delhi on October 23, Ravi held a public consultative meeting with14 Naga Tribes of Nagaland, all minority non-Nagas, Nagaland GB Federation, Church and other civil society organizations on October 18 in Kohima.
Subsequently, in a press statement issued on the same day, Ravi appreciated the “political maturity and wisdom of the Naga leaders who expressed their overwhelming support in favour of a settlement without any further delay”.
In the same statement, Ravi also informed that a mutually agreed draft comprehensive settlement, including all the substantive issues and competencies, was ready for inking the final agreement. However, the Interlocutor lamented that at such auspicious juncture, the NSCN (I-M) has adopted a “procrastinating attitude to delay the settlement raising the contentious symbolic issues of separate Naga flag and constitution”.