The decades-long Naga peace process was over on Thursday.
According to reports, the Centre and the NSCN (IM) agreed to sign a final agreement without a separate constitution.
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However, the Centre agreed to allow a ‘conditional Naga flag’, claimed media reports.
As per reports, the “conditional flag” can be allowed only for non-governmental purposes.
“We have agreed to finalise the agreement,” a media report quoted a member of NSCN (IM)’s negotiation team as saying.
“The flag and the Constitution will be pursued later,” the NSCN(IM) leader reportedly said.
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Also read: Nagaland on alert after inconclusive Centre-NSCN (IM) talks
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has congratulated Ravi, NSCN(IM) and NNPGs for their efforts.
Rio tweeted on Thursday, “Congratulations to Shri RN Ravi, NSCN (IM) & NNPGs for the efforts & sacrifices.”
“Also, appreciation to the civil societies, mass-based organisations, NGOs, churches & the Naga people for the support & prayers. We praise God Almighty & look forward to a new era for the Naga people,” he added.
Rio in another tweet said, “It is a historic moment and an occasion of great joy for all Nagas and the nation as a whole. Peace will now pave the way for genuine progress and true nation-building.”
Congratulations to Shri RN Ravi, NSCN (IM) & NNPGs for the efforts & sacrifices. Also, appreciation to the civil societies, mass-based organisations, NGOs, churches & the Naga people for the support & prayers. We praise God Almighty & look forward to a new era for the Naga people
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 31, 2019
October 31 was set as the deadline for inking the final agreement to end the Naga issue as mentioned by Naga peace interlocutor and Nagaland governor RN Ravi.
In August last, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Ravi to end the peace process within three months.
During the talks, the NSCN (IM) was led by its general secretary Th. Muivah.
The working committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on Wednesday said it has been agreed that a clause in the final pact on resolution of the Naga issue would mention the Naga flag and constitution as prime symbolic issues.
Also read: Naga peace talks with deadline! How absurd?
They also said the issues will be pursued post solution through continuous political and democratic process.
Earlier, there was uncertainty over the peace talks as the NSCN-IM remained adamant on their stand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.
Even as insurgency continued in Nagaland, efforts were made by the central government to bring the insurgents to the talks table.
Despite 22 years of peace talks, the seven-decade-old insurgency problem in Nagaland remained without an answer before Thursday (October 31).
The peace process got a little headway in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government signed a “framework agreement” with the NSCN(IM) and this development was publicised as a major breakthrough.
The ministry of home affairs is likely to issue statement regarding the Naga peace process.