GOI, NSCN (IM) agree to seek solution to Naga political issue based on Framework Agreement

Dimapur: The government of India and NSCN (IM) have decided to seek the solution to the decades-old Naga political issue on the basis of the Framework Agreement signed in 2015, an NSCN (IM) leader said on Thursday.

A closed-door meeting was held at Rhododendron hall, Chümoukedima Police Complex between the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, A K Mishra and a high-level NSCN (IM) team.

“The outcome is positive and we have agreed to seek a solution on the basis of the Framework Agreement,” NSCN (IM) leader Rh Raising told reporters after coming out of the two-hour long meeting.

Mishra was accompanied by Intelligence Bureau joint director Mandeep Singh Tulli and Nagaland Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau director Don Jose, who arrived on April 12.

The 20-member NSCN (IM) team was led by the organisation’s Secretary General Th Muivah.

Mishra declined to take questions from journalists before being whisked away through the back door of the building.

All issues already ‘resolved’, says WC-NNPG

Secretary of WC-NNPG, G Naga informed Eastern Mirror that all the issues for WC-NNPG have been “resolved and agreed upon”, and there was no formal discussion on the issues that have already been discussed and settled.

Following the meeting with the NSCN (IM), AK Mishra met with the WC-NNPG at the Police House building, Chümoukedima Police Complex at around 3 pm.

The WC-NNPG delegation, consisting of 10 members, was led by the Convenor, N Kitovi Zhimomi, and co-convener NSCN/GPRN Ato Kilonser, Isak Sumi.

Yet the WC-NNPG met the government of India’s representative and expressed their unhappiness at the delay of the solution, as it has been over three years since they have “agreeably, mutually and officially concluded the negotiations”, he said.

G Naga expressed that the government of India was “misleading” the people, and the unnecessary delay in finding a solution was creating several problems in the society.

He said the discussions with AK Mishra were primarily focused on expressing their reservations as the WC-NNPG expected a progressive development after concluding the negotiation but the government of India had “so far disappointed the Naga people”.

The secretary said the discussions were cordial, and the WC-NNPG expressed what they had to say.

When asked about sitting at the same table with NSCN (IM), Naga stated that WC-NNPG’s position had not changed; they have been transparent from the beginning, and whatever has been negotiated and discussed is in the public domain.

‘Therefore, they have no issues sitting down with not only NSCN (IM) but also with anyone to find an amicable, acceptable, and honourable solution for lasting peace,’ he said.

When asked about the next meeting with AK Mishra, the secretary replied if the same trend of “lukewarm attitude” continues, “there is no point of meeting again and again without any outcome”.

However, Mishra expressed that although talks were over, ‘it is always good to be patient, receptive, and the communication channel should not be denied by any of the entities, both the government of India and WC-NNPG’, he added.

It may be mentioned that the Framework Agreement was signed by the Centre with the NSCN (IM) in August 2015 to end the long protracted imbroglio. The two have been in dialogue on the issue since 1997.

The Centre has been in talks with the WC-NNPG since 2017 and the two had inked the Agreed Position in November the same year.

While WC-NNPG has agreed to accept a solution and continue the dialogue, the NSCN (IM) has been rigid on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.

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