Dimapur, July 22 (MExN): The Hindu has reported that a Naga ‘peace accord’ is “almost ready but the government has to decide on the signatory.” This information was relayed to the newspaper by “a top government official.”
A report by The Hindu journalists Vijaita Singh and Iboyaima Laithangbam claimed today that “There is confusion on who will sign the agreement on behalf of the Naga groups and a decision on this could take some time.”
After signing a Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM in August 2015, the Government of India signed a preamble in November 2017 with six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to hold further discussions to find a solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.
“However, it is not clear how long it will take to get all the factions on the same page,” The Hindu reported. According to it, over the past week, the GoI Interlocutor for the Indo-Naga talks, RN Ravi, has held many meetings with representatives of the NNPGs who are camping in Delhi. He reportedly also held parallel discussions with representatives of the NSCN-IM.
On behalf of the Centre, Ravi had signed the Framework Agreement at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 3, 2015 at a much publicised ceremony.
One "stakeholder" reportedly told The Hindu, “there is an understanding that while there will be no redrawing of the maps for Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to merge the Naga inhabited areas with Nagaland for a Greater Nagaland or Nagalim.” However, Nagas living in these States would get “special rights” on “land and resources.”
“When the Centre signed an agreement with NSCN-IM in 2015, most Naga groups weren’t aware. Negotiations with both camps are going on simultaneously. If there was integration of Naga inhabited areas, then there would be one pact. Since that looks like a remote possibility at this stage, the Centre should recognise the rights of the Nagas in other States,” a Naga leader is said to have told The Hindu reporters on the condition of anonymity.
