NSCN-IM likely to soon start formal talks with Centre

    16-Sep-2020
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NSCN-IM likely to soon st
Guwahati, Sep 16
 Naga rebel group NSCN-IM is likely to soon start formal peace talks with the Union Government, after a series of informal talks with Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials in Delhi over the past one month.
NSCN-IM chairman Q Tuccu, vice president Tongmeth Wangnao and 13 others had joined general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah in the ongoing informal talks.
“We will soon wrap up the informal talks and start formal talks. Our chairman Q. Tuccu along with other leaders will also join the talks,” said a senior NSCN-IM member, who did not wish to be identified. “The way things are moving we are expecting resolution of contentious issues and inking of final solution shortly. We can expect some positive outcome by the end of this month.”
Talks were caught in a stalemate and informal talks route was taken after the NSCN-IM sought replacement of RN Ravi, who is the Interlocutor of peace talks besides the Governor of Nagaland.
The NSCN-IM has raised the demand for a separate flag and Constitution which the Centre had ruled out earlier.
On September 10, Ravi and the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) had held a meeting in Dimapur.
The NNPGs said in a statement, “The Interlocutor has affirmed that GOI is taking forward the decision of the Naga groups taken on 31st October 2019. The GOI has acknowledged the fact that Naga tribes and civil societies have spelled out their position on the Indo-Naga political issue and in reciprocal manner, it is determined to fulfil the political aspiration of the Naga people. The defining hour is approaching for announcing an honourable and acceptable solution and therefore both GOI and WC felt that the unity of the Nagas at this time is critical.”
The statement further said, “The official position is that Naga issue must be settled and the waiting period is over. GOI is preparing necessary steps. WC, NNPGs cordial engagement with neighbouring communities was appreciated by GOI because any outcome will affect all in the neighbourhood and it should be continued. While it is the desire of GOI and Naga people that there should be only one solution, GOI will not wait for anyone anymore.”
Economic Times