NSCN (IM) will continue peace talks with Indian government, says Nagaland legislator

Our Reporter
Dimapur, June 3 (EMN): Amid fears of negotiations between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) derailing after the co-convenor of parliamentary core committee on Naga political issue, TR Zeliang, said that the latter had expressed its desire to stop further talks with India following their recent meeting with interlocutor AK Mishra in Delhi, legislator L Imkong Imchen on Friday told Eastern Mirror that the peace talks will continue.

The NSCN (IM) has not taken any negative stance (on negotiations) and their position on the Naga flag and constitution is their right, said Imchen, adding that the group had assured the continuation of peace talks, ‘which is a positive sign’.

He also said that the NSCN (IM) did not say they would stop negotiating with the government of India over disagreement on their demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution.

When asked about the stance of the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) in signing the final agreement, he said the group had repeatedly expressed willingness to sign any time any place. ‘It is also another positive sign,’ he added.

On the closed-door meeting between the Core Committee of the Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue led by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assam Chief Minister and Convener of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma at Chümoukedima on Thursday, Imchen said it was a very fruitful interaction.

He said that during the meeting, the core committee had impressed upon the Assam Chief Minister on the necessity of looking into the competencies (of Framework Agreement) as well as the Agreed Position.

‘There cannot be a piecemeal solution and agreement with one party and another agreement with another party that cannot work together harmoniously, therefore there has to be single settlement for single issue,’ he said.

Sarma shared his views on the Naga political issues during the meeting. He has a sincere commitment and concern in finding an amicable settlement to the protracted Naga issue, said the MLA.

When asked about the current scenario regarding the demand for separate Naga flag and constitution, Imchen replied the Assam CM had told the gathering that ‘there is always room for accommodation and negotiation regarding the Naga flag and constitution’.

Imchen added that Sarma is lending his good office for the cause of the Nagas in order to find an amicable solution, as per the direction of the Union Home Minister.

On the core committee’s next meeting with the central leadership, Imchen said that the Centre will decide the date as the committee is not a negotiating party but a facilitator.

The member secretary of the parliamentary core committee and minister, Neiba Kronu, also said that the next meeting of the core committee with the central leadership is yet to be scheduled.

When asked if Assam Chief Minister will join the core committee during the next meeting with the central leadership, Kronu said that they have not discussed about it.