GoI cannot wait indefinitely for NSCN -IM: Ravi NSCN (I-M) indulging in delay tactics ; flag, constitution, shared sovereignty not in framework

DIMAPUR, Feb 29
While acknowledging that the final stages for solution to the Naga political issue has reached a stalemate between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M), Govern-ment of India’s represen- tative and Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi Friday has accused the NSCN (I-M) of indulging in delay tactics as it did not seem to be prepared for a final settlement.
In an interview to Nagaland Post, the Interlocutor also accused NSCN (I-M) of making “new and mischievous interpretation” of the already agreed positions on contentious issues and thus “misleading” the people.
Ravi said that after settling contentious issues, the NSCN (I-M) was now demanding the proposed “Pan Naga entity ” having political and executive influence over Nagaland Government, which he said, was not acceptable to Government of India. “The NSCN (I-M) is trying to imagine things which are not in the Framework Agreement and misleading the people”, he said. Ravi also categorically clarified on issues such as Framework Agreement, flag and constitution, “shared sovereignty” and the contentious Pan Naga entity.
Excerpts of the interview
NP: Government of India and Naga Political Groups (NPGs) had concluded negotiations over contentious issues on October 31, 2019, what is keeping the negotiating parties from signing the much awaited final agreement?
Ravi: The delay is entirely on the part of NSCN (I-M); it appears that they are not prepared for a settlement. They are playing delaying tactics by giving new mischievous interpretations of the already agreed positions on contentious issues and thereby misleading the people.
NP: Which issues are we talking about?
Ravi: Issues like Framework Agreement, Pan Naga entity etc.
NP: NSCN (I-M) has passed a resolution for solution on the basis of 3rd August 2015 Framework Agreement. Now, you are saying that they are mischievously misinterpreting the agreement and misleading the people. Can you elaborate on it?
Ravi: The Framework Agreement does not talk about flag and constitution. There is no mention of shared sovereignty in it. There is no mention of integration. There is no mention of Nagas as a separate entity. Of course it recognizes the unique history of Nagas. Framework Agreement is a commitment to settle the Naga political issue on the basis of power sharing with due regard to the contemporary realities. The NSCN (I-M) is trying to imagine things which are not in the Framework Agreement and misleading the people. We must understand that the Naga political issue belongs to the Naga people. No single entity has franchise over it. We must be honest with the Naga people.
NP: Why is there disagreement on the proposed Pan Naga Hoho, when Nagas are expecting an early solution after conclusion of negotiations over contentious issues on October 31, 2019?
Ravi: Pan Naga entity was mutually agreed to be a cultural body with no political role or executive autho- rity. However, after October 31, 2019, when the contentious issues were settled, NSCN (IM) is asking for the proposed Pan Naga entity to have political and executive influence over Nagaland government . This is not acceptable to the government of India. Reopening settled issues is the delaying tactics of NSCN (I-M).
NP: If NSCN (I-M) refuses to compromise on issues such as flag, constitution, Pan Naga Hoho etc., will government of India consider signing the final agreement with Working Committee (WC)of  Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs)?
Ravi: On all these issues the NSCN (I-M) has already agreed to a position which could be acceptable to the Government of India. These positions were reached after a series of negotiations during the last five years. They are now changing their positions from what they have already agreed. This is not acceptable. This is not the way to negotiate. This will make the proceeds of negotiation endless. It is already 23 years. People are losing patience. Government of India cannot ignore the popular sentiments. Government of India is committed to an inclusive solution without further delay. All stakeholders should be co-owner of the final agreement.
Government of India cannot wait indefinitely if someone wilfully chooses to delay it by frequently changing the goalposts.  Courtesy Nagaland Post