NSCN (IM)
NSCN-IM chief Thuingaleng Muivah. (File image)

The Centre has reportedly finalised the draft of the agreement to be signed with militant outfits and civil society organisations of Nagaland.

The government has also made it clear that it is up to the leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) to decide whether they would sign the agreement or not, The Assam Tribune reported.

However, the date for signing the pact is yet to be finalised.

There would be no further parleys with any rebel group of Nagaland and the draft of the agreement is ready.

“The date for signing of the agreement is likely to be decided shortly. The talk process is over and there may be some delay in signing of the agreement because of the ensuing Bihar elections. However, the Centre is keen on signing the agreement as soon as possible,” the newspaper quoted sources as saying.

The agreement would be the first of its kind as efforts were made to include all stakeholders in the process.

The government had earlier signed a number of agreements with militant groups in different parts of the country.

But this time, in addition to the militants, civil society groups including the Naga Gaonbura Federation and the Hohos of all the 14 tribes of Nagaland would sign the agreement to make it inclusive.

The Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), an umbrella organisation of seven militant groups of the state and citizens’ groups have already approved the draft agreement.

As per reports, the decisions taken in the meetings have been incorporated in the agreement, which include creation of two autonomous councils, one each on Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Centre has also made the NSCN (IM) clear that it would not be possible for them to accept the demands for a separate flag and constitution.