Indo-Naga talk hits another hurdle : NSCN demands separate Naga constitution
Source: IT News
Kohima, August 24 2017:
The ongoing Naga political talk between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has hit another hurdle.
The weary talk has hit another obstacle when the NSCN (IM) insisted for a separate constitution for Nagalim (Nagaland), which it said is another key demand to resolve the vexed issue.
NSCN (IM) sources said they have crossed some major hurdles like integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas and a separate flag.
But the latest round of talk held Tuesday in New Delhi witnessed one more hurdle when the Naga group demanded for a separate constitution.
"Having a separate constitution for the Nagas has become the bone of contention in the talk," said a senior functionary of NSCN (IM).
In yesterday's talk the NSCN (IM) was led by Chief Negotiator, Thuingaleng Muivah.
Union Government's interlocutor R N Ravi had a marathon negotiation with the Naga representatives.
The next round of talk is expected on Tuesday next.
The NSCN (IM) asserted that a separate constitution and a flag will not be compromised as this will recognise the existence of two entities.
"We will never accept Indian Constitution.
Separate Naga Constitution should be incorporated in it for safeguard," another NSCN (IM) leader said.
A NSCN (IM) insider said demand for a separate flag for Nagalim is almost settled.
Centre's emissary Ravi also said Nagas's demand for a separate flag is under discussion.
"For separate flag it is almost settled," NSCN (IM) source disclosed.
The Naga group also said it would not decommission arms, adding that the cadres would be commissioned as regular army and guard the borders of Nagalim.
Extension of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India to other Naga inhabited areas and Pan-Naga are other two core issues settled, according to sources.
On the issue of Centre's map to take all factions onboard the final agreement, the NSCN (IM) source said the former will not have a political dialogue with other groups.
It is understood that the Centre wanted other groups to accept the agreed points with the NSCN (IM) and accept the final accord.
Centre's interlocutor Ravi is also in touch with other factions - the prominent among them is NSCN (Unification).
He is also in touch with Naga National Council (NNC) led by Adinno Phizo.
But the group said there was no need to enter for another round of peace talk and demanded for a political talk.
A senior leader of NNC disclosed that Ravi was in touch with them.
NNC said Naga people are heading for another 16 Point Agreement which would be signed between the "pseudo nationalists" and the Government of India.
While the Centre and the NSCN (IM) are in hurry to strike a final agreement there is a fractured support to the ongoing peace talk.
Several Naga organisations led by the Naga Hoho has supported the talk while few others have rendered their scepticism stating that it would be a sell out agreement.
The state government has also supported the talk.
"And whereas we discourage mushrooming of state-centric groups and their slogans based on narrow approach that promotes divide and rule policy in Naga society," a joint statement issued by senior leaders of Ao community stated.
The statement has come against the backdrop of some people asking the NSCN (IM) not to talk for Nagas of Nagaland.
The joint statement was issued after the joint meeting of Concerned Citizens' Forum and Concerned Senior Citizens Forum Mokokchung on August 17."Whereas we have minutely evaluated the previous commitments of the Ao community giving mandate to the NSCN/GPRN (IM) collective Leadership during the last several political consultative meets Indo-Naga political matter for negotiating with GoI and to bring early settlement honourably and acceptable both to the parties and therefore, the Aos should continue to stand by it," the statement added.
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