Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 28
A stalemate, an unhappy NSCN (IM) and an implied hazard of the political parleys breaking down has likely had the Nagaland state government on its toes. As implied by TR Zeliang, Co-Convenor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly’s Core Committee on the Naga Political Issue, the recent negotiation between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India (GoI) in New Delhi was anything but productive.
Taking media queries following a highly anticipated meeting between the Core Committee and the NSCN (IM), in Dimapur on May 28, Zeliang said that the latter was requested to continue with the negotiations despite the apparent deadlock over ‘Flag and Constitution.’
Spelling out, what was assumed to be the purpose behind the day’s meeting, Zeliang said, “We met the NSCN (IM) because they had gone to Delhi after AK Mishra’s (GoI Interlocutor) visit to Nagaland. They (re)started the negotiation with the GoI. But last week, they came back from Delhi saying that they’ll not have any further negotiation. So, we have interacted with them and requested them that the talks should continue.” While stating that a settlement can happen only through talks, he added that the Committee will be conveying to the GoI whatever was discussed in the meeting today. According to Zeliang, there has to be mutual understanding between the negotiating parties.
Member Secretary of the Committee, Planning Minister Neiba Kronu said the meeting as fruitful and a lengthy one that lasted for over four hours behind closed doors at the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima. He described it as a ‘general discussion’ where “we discussed something about the competencies also.”
According to him, all the parties involved are getting closer and that the GoI have also come to understand “our position better.” He added, “They have been talking about the Constitution and Flag continuously. In what form it can be used… that they’ll have a discussion again. Are we reaching a solution? Yes, I am hoping (and) hopeful. Let’s hope for the best.”
Kronu also said, “We may need the support of Himanta Biswa Sarma (HBS). This is what we have discussed today.” His response to the kind of support they need from the Assam Chief Minister was though ambiguous.
He said, “It is better that if someone can speak for both the GoI and for the Naga people,” and responded in the positive when asked if the NSCN (IM) was amenable to the Core Committee seeking Sarma’s support.
No comment could be had from the ten-member NSCN (IM) team, who slipped away before they could be queried by waiting journalists. The team included senior members of the Collective Leadership: Gen (retired) VS Atem, Rh Raising, TT Among, Vikiye Awomi, KK Angami, N Venuh, RT Tsanglao, Karaibo Chawang, Chuba Pongener and also their army chief, Anthony Ningkhan Shimray.
Like the NSCN (IM) leadership, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is the Parliamentary Core Committee’s Convenor also, slipped away. Other members of the Committee, who attended, were Y Patton, G Kaito Aye, YM Yollow, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu and Dr Ngangshi K Ao.
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