Minutes of Supra State Body model spelt out, IM yet to say Yes or No
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2011: The 'second best' option mooted by the Government of India in place of the Greater Lim demand pursued by the NSCN (IM) to reach an honourable settlement to the decades old Naga political issue is yet to be given the 'Agreed' signature by the rebel group, though there are no indications to say that it has been rejected either.

Barely 24 hours after the State dailies carried, ad verbatim, the scoop carried by the newly established Seven Sisters Post, copies of documents of the report which are available with The Sangai Express reveal that the NSCN (IM) is yet to give the 'Agreed' signature in the column against the Supra State Body offered by the Union Government.

Neither are there any indications that it has been rejected.

The Supra State Body model drawn up by the Centre comes under the Boundaries segment.

Th Muivah in consultation with leaders from Delhi led by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram

To the proposal of the Centre that a Supra State for the Nagas be created in lieu of Nagalim mooted by the NSCN (IM), the documents had observed the stand of the NSCN (IM) as "This is a key proposal of NSCN (IM) on which they are insistent.

They argue that without this, the Tangkhuls will remain under Manipur which is mainly administered by the Meiteis" .

The documents said that it was explained to the NSCN (IM) that "under Law, boundaries of State can be altered after taking into consideration the views of the concerned State Legislators.

The views of the Government of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are very clear in this regard.

Therefore it would not be possible to concede to the demand in the absence of political consensus from all concerned.

"Therefore NSCN (IM) may think of 'second best' if the 'best' in their view is not possible.

"Possible autonomy of Naga areas without altering the boundaries of the States' concerned so that in many matters, the representatives of the hill areas may administer the subjects in their charge along with a Supra State Body for the Nagas for their cultural, social and customary practices may be discussed.

"The pan-Naga Supra-State Body will be in recognition of the distinct identity of the Nagas," pointed out the documents.

"The portions of Nagaland which are situated in present day Myanmar will not form part of the present negotiations," said the documents.

The other point in which the NSCN (IM) has not put the agreed signature, but has again significantly not rejected is on the question of State Flag and Emblem.

The documents put the proposal of the Government of India as, "Emblem may be decided by Government of Nagaland, but no separate flag.

"The NSCN (IM) is insistent about separate flag and separate Constitution.

It has to be noted that even if a separate flag is agreed, it will be only for Government of Nagaland.

The continguous Naga areas in Manipur where Tangkhuls are staying will not be using it.

The issue has to be discussed further" .

Other major points of contention such as Protection of minorities within Nagaland, Independent Commission on Human Rights, Interim Arrangements, Guarantees for implementation, Transport and International relations have been agreed by both the parties.

On Transport, it was set down that except railways and National Highways, ground transportation may be with Govt of Nagaland.

It should be examined whether separate airlines will be viable.

The Commission on human rights will not have the power to initiate proceedings against armed forces of the Union.