KOHIMA, JULY 21: The Union Government has invited the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) for resumption of talks, but the latter is unlikely to sit for parley if the issue of Flag and Constitution is not in the agenda.
The Centre has reportedly invited the NSCN (IM) leaders for talks in an attempt to break the impasse but the latter is unlikely to sit across the table with the Centre’s Interlocutor AK Mishra if the issue of Flag and Constitution is not listed in the agenda.
“Government of India has invited us for talks in New Delhi. But if the Government of India does not change their stand on flag and constitution our team may not go”, a senior functionary of the group said. The issue of demand for a separate flag and constitution by the NSCN (IM) has become a logjam in the Naga peace process. But the Centre has ruled out granting of flag and constitution.
On the sideline of the stalemate in the peace process, the Central Government has managed to put pressure on Naga groups to ink an agreement through some agencies and groups. Some pro-Union Government tribal organisations have been castigating the NSCN (IM) for delaying the agreement. But there are also other groups and the State Government; who have been demanding for an “honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution”.
“Talks may not resume easily. First the Government of India will have to clarify its position”, another senior member of NSCN (IM) said.
The NSCN (IM) also said they will not accept the re-edited version of the 16-Point Agreement of 1960, which gave birth to Nagaland State. They outfit has accused the Centre of imposing solution on them.
Other Naga groups said talks with the Centre were concluded and that they are ready to sign agreement any time. They have accused the rival group of deliberately trying to delay the agreement.
(Page News Service)
