Following weeks of speculations and the mediation by Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) which was endorsed by the Khango-led NSCN (K) group to act as go-between, both GoI and Khango-led group has purportedly agreed to clear the decks and begin the process of negotiation.
In a statement, NGBF media cell disclosed that the federation, during its meeting with the Khango-led group at Yankhao village on October 25, was officially endorsed to pursue the issue with the Centre in order pave the way for the group to enter into ceasefire at the earliest. At the meeting NGBF said Khango acknowledged the appeal of the Nagas and decided to resume ceasefire with the Centre.
NGBF said Khango-led NSCN (K) also placed a four-point demand to the GoI for consideration– lift ban imposed on NSCN and removal of terrorist tag; rescind the bounties placed on NSCN leaders; repeal AFSPA/DDA on the enforced Naga areas and unconditional release of NSCN cadres arrested after the abrogation of ceasefire and undergoing trials or serving sentences in different prisons across the state/country.
Subsequently, NGBF said the federation met with Interlocutor for Naga talks, R.N. Ravi on November 1, 2018 at JIC Headquarters, New Delhi.
According to NGBF, the Centre, in response to NSCN (K)’s four-point demand, issued statement saying it “never abrogated the ceasefire with NSCN (K), but NSCN (K) walked away from ceasefire in March 2015. But, government of India still stands and welcomes NSCN (K) for peace talks. The statement also mentioned that government of India has no objection for NSCN (K) to maintain their entity. It stated that as soon as NSCN (K) comes into peace process dialogue with the Centre, ban on NSCN (K), terrorist tag and bounties on its leaders will be automatically removed/close.
Further, the statement reportedly mentioned that the Centre welcomes NSCN (K) for peace talks anytime. However, Centre said it was committed to solve the Naga issue with one comprehensive solution and therefore cannot have many agreements. At this juncture, Centre conveyed that it was not in a state to take up third party with fresh negotiation. Government of India however welcomed NSCN (K) stated that there should not be any insecurity from NSCN (K) part.
Accordingly, NGBF said NSCN (Khango group) accepted the conditions set forth by the Centre and acceptance letter was handed over to the GoI through NGBF in New Delhi for further discussion.
In the light of the development, the NGBF has appealed to the Centre to promptly respond to the peace offer and resume talks as soon as possible.
The federation also appealed to all the Naga political groups to unite and join the peace process for early solution.