Naga talks end? Centre ‘accepts’ NSCN-IM demands with ‘conditions’

New Delhi: After a long, 22-year wait, the Naga peace talks, it seems, has reached a conclusive stage, as the Centre has reportedly decided to accept the demands of the NSCN-IM, but with certain pre-conditions. However, there has been no official announcement or confirmation in this regard till the filing of this report.

At a crucial close-door meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon, representatives from the Centre agreed to accept the crucial demands of the NSCN-IM keeping the greater interest of maintaining peace and harmony in the entire region in mind, sources in the Union home ministry told EastMojo.

The sources further informed this reporter that the Centre has imposed certain conditions in this regard. However, details and roadmap to follow the pre-conditions will be discussed elaborately in future meetings, they added.

Now, as per reports, Nagas can use their ‘flag’ in pan-Naga Hohos, sports and special events of the Nagas. Official use of the flag at all government functions, office premises, buildings will be approved officially later during the political process, sources added.

Also Read: Centre, NSCN-IM ‘agree’ on demand for ‘flag’ ahead of D-Day?

Sources, which are yet to be confirmed, also said that the final and elaborate announcement of the resolutions of Thursday’s crucial meeting will be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits Nagaland to take part in the forthcoming Hornbill Festival starting from December 1-10 in Kohima and Dimapur. “It will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift to the people of Nagaland during that time,” unconfirmed sources added.

According to sources, the Central team was represented by Naga peace process interlocutor and Nagaland governor RN Ravi and senior officials of the ministry, while NSCN-IM was represented by ‘Ato kilonser’ and outfit’s general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah in the meeting on October 31.

Earlier, the Centre had set a deadline of October 31 to conclude the process of talks with the Naga rebel groups. However, the Centre had made it clear that the demand for a separate flag and constitution would not be accepted.