After over a year, crucial meetings between the Centre’s envoy and Naga rebels groups including the NSCN (IM) began in Kohima on Monday to settle the long-pending Naga political issue.
As per reports, Intelligence Bureau (IB) former special director A.K. Mishra and the NSCN (IM) leadership led by Thuingaleng Muivah held a meeting at the police complex in Chumoukedima in Kohima.
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NSCN-IM leader Rh Raising told reporters after the meeting that everything should be initiated on the basis of the Framework Agreement signed with the government in 2015.
“We reiterated our commitment to the Framework Agreement in letter and spirit. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the talks have resumed. The Government of India has sent us a letter stating that Mishra will hold talks with our leaders,” Raising told a television channel.
Stating that a separate flag and constitution are uncompromising issues, Raising said, “Any agreement without separate flag and constitution is unacceptable and meaningless. The solution must be inclusive. We can’t sign an agreement ignoring the sentiments of our cadres.”
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Both Mishra and other NSCN-IM leaders remained tight-lipped about the details of the discussions held in Monday’s crucial meeting.
The meeting held for the first time after the Centre on September 9 removed RN Ravi as Nagaland governor as well as peace talk interlocutor.
The Centre has not made any official announcement who would be the new interlocutor for the vital peace talks.
Mishra, who is also the advisor on northeast affairs in the Home Ministry, arrived in Kohima on Saturday to resume the talks with various Naga groups and stakeholders.
The former IB chief is also likely to meet the working committee of the seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
In another development, Assam Chief Minister and convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Himanta Biswa Sarma, is likely to visit Dimapur on Tuesday to hold meetings with both the government officials and the leaders of the Naga groups.
“For the first time, Sarma might have been assigned by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to talk with all the stakeholders and get everyone on board before a final agreement is inked over the protracted Naga issue,” a senior Nagaland government official said.