NSCN (IM)'s demand for flag, Constitution being discussed : Nephiu Rio, TR Zeliang

KOHIMA, Oct 26
A final concurrence on the ongoing 23 years old Naga peace talks is imminent with the Central Government and the NSCN (IM), who have been in a deadlock over the latter’s demand for a separate Naga flag and Constitution, apparently finding a middle ground.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi has categorically stated that the Central Government was having exhaustive discussions with Constitutional and legal experts to find ways to enable the Nagas to use a separate flag. On the issue of a separate ‘Yehzabo’ (Constitution), he said it was likely that a committee would be set up post settlement, to democratically work out the details.
Speaking at a public meeting at Jakhama, under the by-poll bound Southern Angami-I Constituency on Saturday evening, Chief Minister Rio expressed that the final talks were going in a positive direction and the Naga people must not think that the movement started by the Naga National Council (NNC) had failed even though hundred percent of the original aspirations may not be achieved in a go. He reminded that the past generation had brought about Statehood through the 16 Point Agreement. Pointing out that these were parts of a process of evolution, Rio said the present generation’s negotiations must arrive at an “upgraded” pact, while the younger generation would be able to make some agreements on the points that are left out.
“If we follow the process of evolution, our future generations can peacefully co-exist with each other,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), which is also in talks with the Government to resolve the Naga issue, will hold a meeting with 14 Naga tribal organisations on October 29, seeking their advice and opinion on issues of ‘common interest’.
Although separate negotiations are being held between the Central Government and different Naga Nationalist groups, Chief Minister Rio had earlier conveyed that the Centre was firm on delivering ‘one solution’ for the Naga political issue.
Former Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang too said that the Centre is working out a formula on the NSCN (IM)’s demands for a separate flag and Constitution, reports the North East Today.
Zeliang said this on Sunday while addressing a by-election rally at Jakhama village.
Speaking for the first time after meeting Home Minister Amit Shah last week at Delhi, Zeliang, who is also the leader of the Opposition, said the Home Minister has directed a team of Intelligence Bureau (IB) to work out a formula to resolve the issue of a separate flag and Constitution.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Shah, Joint Secretary, (North East), MHA Satyendra Garg, IB Director Arvind Kumar, North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and former CM and NOF leader Zeliang.
“Home Minister Amit Shah has urged the ruling NDPP and Opposition NPF to work together at least on the matter of Naga issue to have a final settlement,” said Zeliang.
He added that the Home Minister also urged both the leaders to convince the two Naga negotiating groups NSCN (IM) and the NNPGs to sit at one table.
Zeliang also stated that although the Opposition party did not attend the October 15 consultative meeting, the Opposition and ruling party are on the same page when it comes to the 7-point resolution adopted by the State Government, mass-based civil society organizations, Church, and NGOs.
Reiterating the stand of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), he said the party is working on the ground for the Naga issue and the only goal is to bring the NSCN-IM and the NNPGs together.
Hindustan Times and North East Today