On the brink of history: Ravi-NSCN (IM) overcome final hurdle

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Oct. 31 (EMN): On the final day of the three-month deadline, negotiators representing the government of India and the NSCN (IM) could finally achieve a breakthrough—which could come to represent the final crucial step towards providing a solution to the seven-decade old Indo-Naga political issue.

A top NSCN (IM) leader, who is also part of the group’s negotiating team in New Delhi, confirmed to Eastern Mirror that a breakthrough has finally been made with the government of India (GOI) with regard to the demand for “a separate Naga flag and constitution”.

After numerous meetings and talks between the two parties, the NSCN (IM) leader said, there were “draft exchanges” from both sides on Thursday.

“Issues have been resolved between the two (parties), and there will be meticulous analysing while going through the final drafts,” said the NSCN (IM) leader.  According to him, there were rough edges that needed polishing.

He also said that the government of India and the NSCN (M) would be coming out with a plan to execute the final agreement between the two entities (NSCN-IM and GOI). “The final draft still needs to be signed,” he said.

Also, on behalf of the NSCN (IM), he extended gratitude and appreciation to everyone who had played their part in the struggle. “We are grateful to the Nagas for their support; God has been good to all, especially the Nagas,” said the leader.

Meanwhile, The Hindu quoted RN Ravi, the Centre’s interlocutor, as saying that ““the accord has not been finalised yet. Matters are under discussion. NSCN (IM) has come on board.”

Citing a senior government official, it reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been apprised about the latest developments and some kind of agreement with all groups including NSCN (IM) will be signed soon.

Amid widespread speculation/reports that the Centre has signed a final agreement with the Naga group, the government’s publicity wing, Press Information Bureau (PIB), issued a clarification refuting the “rumours and misinformation”.

“It is clarified that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders including states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration; no credence needs to be given to such rumours and incorrect information,” it stated.

Working committee appreciates wisdom
The working committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) appreciated the “understanding arrived at between the government of India and the NSCN (IM)”.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the committee expressed belief that the NSCN (IM) leadership had opted for peace and ‘adopted a practical, realistic approach in arriving at a conclusion of negotiations by acceptance of the reality the time’.

“In the course negotiations between WC and the GoI, the latter had also endorsed the usage of Naga emblem/flag specifically for cultural identity within Naga homeland. The Naga flag is a political symbol and cannot be confined to socio-cultural activities. Therefore, together in one voice, Nagas would pursue it politically and democratically. The flag, since the dawn of Naga political consciousness, has ever been an expression of our political identity and aspirations,” read the statement.

Rio, Patton hail historic moment
Various political leaders took to Twitter to air their views. On his official handle, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended gratitude and appreciation to various parties.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (Home Minister) Amit Shah for the political will and concern for the #Naga people.”

The chief minister also congratulated RN Ravi, NSCN (IM) and NNPGs for their efforts and sacrifices. “Also, appreciation to the civil societies, mass-based organisations, NGOs, churches and the Naga people for the support and prayers. We praise God Almighty and look forward to a new era for the Naga people,” Rio wrote.

In another tweet, Rio 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.”

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton also congratulated Modi and Shah for taking the long-standing Naga issue towards a solution. On Twitter, Patton said that it was a “big day for Nagas”.

“Congratulations to interlocutor and governor RN Ravi, the leaderships of NSCN (IM), all the NNPGs, and Nagas as a whole,” he wrote.

“I am elated and grateful to everyone for what we’ve achieved today after all the trying times. The inking of the solution, that respects our unique history, will bring a new and better dawn for the Indo-Naga future. The National Unity Day couldn’t have been more special,” he wrote.

NDPP welcomes outcome
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party has also welcomed the outcome of the talks between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) on October 31.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party stated that it has always believed in the maturity and wisdom of all negotiating parties and have always been optimistic of an amicable solution being agreed upon in the greater interest of the Nagas.

“It is also further appealed that all parties to unitedly work towards implementing the common solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive of all stakeholders. The NDPP also puts on record our appreciation to all the stakeholders, the various tribal hohos, civil society organisations, NGOs and the church for their wholehearted support towards achieving this historic agreement that will entail lasting peace in our land.

“We give praise to the Almighty for allowing His wisdom to prevail upon all the leaders and continue to pray for a new Nagaland firmly established on the foundations of ‘Unity, Democracy, Secular and Inclusiveness’,” it stated.

Sarma allays fears
Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on his Twitter account clarified that “the central government will take people of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh into full confidence before arriving at a conclusion on Naga peace talks. Rumours that Naga accord is being signed are baseless and aimed at disturbing peace in (the) Northeast”.

In another tweet, Sarma said: “Statement from (the) Ministry of Home Affairs on Naga settlement issue—all stakeholders and their concerns will be taken into consideration before any settlement.”

There were reports of altercation in Imphal on Thursday. Sources said that some section of the people were against the talks; stating that Manipur should be consulted as it concerns their state’s territory.