In this file photo, a cadre of NSCN (IM) stands guard beneath a Naga Flag during one of its Raising Day (January 31) at the Council Headquarter, Hebron. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 23
The issue of the Naga flag was the main focus of the discussion as the Government of India (GoI) and NSCN (IM) resumed the Naga peace talks in New Delhi on Wednesday.
“Today's talk was focused on flag. There is no opposition from Government of India on flag issue,” an NSCN (IM) source told The Morung Express.
It was further learnt that the talks will continue on August 25, during which the way forward would be finalised.
“How to finalise will be continued in next round of talk on August 25,” the source added.
Some news outlets also reported that ‘core issue’ of Wednesday’s talks was how to to respect and accommodate each others’ right and interest pertaining to use of the flag.
The NSCN (IM) team, led by its Ato Kilonser and Chief Negotiator, Thuingaleng Muivah, is currently camping in Delhi for the talks. The GoI’s representative for the Naga peace talks, AK Mishra is leading the other side.
The peace talks between the GoI and NSCN (IM) has had been in a deadlock over the issue of a separate constitution and flag.
The GoI and NSCN (IM) had signed the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 and while talks begins afterwards, a final solution is yet to be inked.
Earlier this month, Muivah had said central leaders must spell out their stance on the flag and constitution.
On August 14, during the Naga Independence Day message, Muivah stated that the flag and constitution were “naturally inseparable from the sovereignty of a people.”
“There is no ambiguity about it. The Indian leaders understand it too. They must take the stand to speak the truth,” he added.
