Naga peace deal may be tabled in Parliament as Bill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2019: The Naga peace deal which is yet to be officially sealed may be tabled in the Parliament in the form of a Bill for obtaining parliamentary sanction.

Notably, NSCN-IM and Government of India started a political dialogue after the two sides signed a ceasefire agreement on August 1, 1997.The prolonged political dialogue made a landmark stride when the two sides signed a Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.

There were several rounds of talks between the Government of India and NSCN-IM after the Framework Agreement was signed.

Naga peace deal may be tabled in Parliament as Bill

The last round of talk was held on October 31 this year.

As the two sides came to a conclusive agreement at the October 31 talks, top leaders of NSCN-IM have been working on the details and nitty-gritties of the final agreement day and night, sources informed.

The Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 was based on the uniqueness of Naga history which implied that the Government of India had recognised the uniqueness of Naga history.

It was the uniqueness of Naga history which gave birth to the idea of shared sovereignty which is basically about legal and administrative relationships, according to the sources.

If the agreement reached between the Government of India and NSCN-IM is based on the uniqueness of Naga history and shared sovereignty, it would be necessary to table the final agreement in the form of a Bill at the Parliament for obtaining Parliamentary sanction.

The Constitution of India may also be amended, if necessary, said the sources.

Given the belief of Naga people, top leaders of NSCN-IM, Naga CSOs and activists that the final solution would be honourable and acceptable, the final solution is expected to be something very substantial and it may turn out to be something totally new in India, conveyed the sources.

Granting of 6th Schedule and establishment of District Council in Tripura in 1984 was done after a Bill was passed in the Parliament.

Even as Interlocutor RN Ravi had announced that the final solution would not affect Manipur, many Naga leaders are still hopeful that the Government of India would come out with some special arrangement for the Naga people.