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    Naga dialogue meets deadline: Announcement after talks with Assam, Manipur and Arunachal

    Synopsis

    The Union Home Ministry said that it has come to the govt's notice that lot of rumours is being spread in the media that the final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon. The central government has already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga inhabited areas -- located in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

    ET Bureau
    New Delhi | Guwahati: Talks between Centre’s interlocutor RN Ravi and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) concluded on Thursday amid indications that the two sides have broadly resolved all issues, including demand for a separate flag and constitution. A formal announcement is awaited as the Centre is keen on taking governments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on board. The three states have expressed apprehension over the talks and sought to protect their territorial integrity.

    A senior NSCN-IM leader told ET that talks on separate constitution would continue. “We had two rounds of talks with Centre’s Ravi on Thursday. GoI has allowed the Nagas to use separate Naga flag in recognition of unique history of Naga. However, it will be symbolic and cannot be used in central government institutions. Discussion on a separate Constitution will continue.

    Both the parties have agreed in principle to ink an accord.”

    Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups said “GoI endorsed the usage of Naga emblem and flag, specifically for cultural identity within Naga homeland”.

    The Centre had earlier ruled out separate flag and constitution for Nagas. Talks between the Centre and NSCN-IM were caught in a stalemate over the two issues. The Centre had set October 31 as the deadline to wrap up talks which started in 1997 after a formal ceasefire agreement between the Centre and NSCN-IM was signed.

    A home ministry statement in New Delhi on Thursday evening said: “Before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders, including Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns taken into consideration.

    It has come to notice that lots of rumours and misinformation are being spread in media, including social media, that final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon. This is creating anxiety and concern in some parts of the country. No credence needs to be given to such rumours and incorrect information.”

    Nagaland CM Neiphu Rio, however, tweeted: “It is a historic moment and an occasion of great joy for all Nagas and the nation as a whole.” In another tweet he said: “Congratulations to Shri RN Ravi, NSCN-IM and NNPGs for the efforts and sacrifices.”

    BJP-floated North East Democratic Alliance convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted: “The central government will take people of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh into full confidence before arriving at a conclusion.” Nagaland deputy CM of BJP, Y Patton, tweeted: “Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi-Ji and HM Shri @AmitShahJi for taking the long standing Naga issue towards a solution.”

    Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader and leader of opposition in Nagaland assembly, TR Zeliang, said “both the sides have agreed to sign the accord soon”.

    Manipur continued to be restive.

    CM Biren Singh said home minister Amit Shah has assured him that the integrity of the state will not be compromised.

    Kuki groups protested in Imphal demanding safeguards.


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    ( Originally published on Oct 31, 2019 )
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