DIMAPUR, MAY 28: In a closed door meeting attended by members of the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue and NSCN (IM) that went on for more than 4 hours here at Police Complex, Chumoukedima, a decision was reached to rope in the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Convenor and Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma to communicate on behalf of the Government of India and the Naga people.
On being questioned if the NSCN (IM) is okay with the involvement of Sarma, Minister of Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs and member secretary of the Committee, Neiba Kronu said that they are.
Kronu, without giving out any specific points discussed during the meeting to media persons, described the discussion as “general”, “lengthy” and “fruitful” and added that they are sending a very good message to the Government of India and the GoI has come to understand the position of the Nagas better.
He revealed that they would be meeting the representatives of GoI soon and expressed hope that solution might be near, but refrained from making any commitment that the solution would come before the election. He also stated that the issue of flag and constitution needs to be discussed again.
UDA Chairman and co-Convener of the committee TR Zeliang informed that the meeting was to interact with the NSCN (IM) members, who had been in Delhi negotiating with the GoI, and had returned last week proclaiming to not have any further negotiations.
He said that the Committee requested NSCN (IM) to continue the talks and that only through talks the settlement can take place. He added that they would be requesting the GoI to invite NSCN (IM) again for the negotiations.
Representative of NSCN (IM) declined from making any comments after the meeting.
CM Neiphiu Rio and Deputy CM Y Patton also left after the meeting without any interaction with the media.
(Page News Service)
