Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday led a joint delegation of Naga legislators from Nagaland and Manipur to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, with discussions focusing on the Naga peace process and the situation in Manipur.
Describing the meeting as “positive and fruitful”, the delegation said the talks were aimed at advancing the long-pending Naga political issue and addressing concerns relating to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The delegation comprised Nagaland Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Y. Patton, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, and Awangbow Newmai, senior Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader and MLA from Tamei in Manipur.
According to the delegation, discussions centred on the Naga peace process and issues concerning Naga-inhabited areas across state boundaries.
The meeting comes as the Centre continues negotiations with Naga groups over a final settlement following the Framework Agreement signed with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) in August 2015. Despite years of negotiations, a final peace accord remains pending, with Naga civil society organisations and youth groups continuing to demand a time-bound resolution.
The meeting also took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions involving Naga communities in Manipur. Apex Naga bodies have earlier urged the Centre to revoke the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki militant groups.
In May, 18 Naga civilians were abducted from the Leilon Vaiphei area in Kangpokpi district by suspected Kuki militants. The bodies of six of the abducted civilians were later recovered, triggering widespread protests and renewed calls for justice.