As the deadline to conclude Naga peace talks ended today, the Ministry of Home Affairs Thursday clarified that no final settlement has been arrived at.
The government has successfully managed to bring on board the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), a key players in the negotiations, after several rounds of discussions.
The PTI reported, NSCN-IM has agreed to sign a peace accord without a separate Naga constitution and with a “conditional flag” that can only be allowed for non-governmental purposes.
“We have agreed to finalise the agreement,” a member of NSCN (IM)’s negotiation team said. “The flag and the Constitution will be pursued later.”
This development comes just as the October 31 deadline set by the Centre for a final settlement with Naga armed groups was about to lapse. However, it is not quite clear when the agreement will formally be signed. “There will be a proper signing ceremony soon,” said the leader. “We have to go over all the agreed competencies before signing. It may take some time.”
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in a series of tweets, congratulated the stakeholders for a “historic moment”.
We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you Honourable @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi and @AmitShah for the political will and concern for the #Naga people.
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 31, 2019