NEW DELHI, April 17 – The Government of India and NSCN (I-M) today held yet another round of dialogue to work out a solution to the vexed Naga problem. The two sides are slated to meet again on Sunday.
Earlier, led by its all-powerful general secretary Th. Muivah, a five-member team of NSCN (I-M) arrived here to resume the dialogue. Other members of the team included RH Raising, Imcha and V Makritsü, sources said and added that theGovernment of India’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks RS Pandey and Joint Secretary (Northeast) Navin Verma – who were part of the Central team – discussed substantive issues with the Naga leadership.
The talks were part of fresh attempt by the Centre to engage the NSCN (I-M) leadership. During the intervening period, the Centre had also dispatched Pandey to Nagaland to holdtalks with the Naga civil society and NGOs.
The two sides had met last month after a long gap to kick-start the stalled peace process. In the meantime, the Centre removed K Padmanabhiaih and brought Pandey in his place.
Amidst reports of serious deadlock persisting over the issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas, Muivah who was in Nagaland met several NGOs at Camp Hebron. He reportedly briefed the various NGOs and tribal organisations about the ongoing dialogue.
At the core of the negotiations is I-M’s 31-point proposal, which included the controversial demand for unification of eight districts spread over the States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, besides a separate constitution, flag, currency and army.
NSCN (I-M) leadership has been maintaining that talks with Government of India have not broken down as media reports suggested. “It is too early to comment but the process is already on,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muivah, who is expected to stay in Delhi for about a week, is expected to meet some Central leaders also.
Centre-NSCN talks held
