Naga Peace Talks Set To Be Extended As Government Remains Resolute On ‘One Flag One Constitution’

The crucial talks between the Central government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) in New Delhi remained inconclusive on Thursday (24 October) and are set to go beyond 31 October, which was fixed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government as the date for resolving the six-decade-old imbroglio.

A senior leader of the NSCN-IM, who was not part of the negotiations on Thursday but privy to it, said that both sides have agreed that more consultations were required, particularly with different stake-holders including the people.

The ongoing talks between the NSCN-IM and the Central government had hit a roadblock recently with the Naga group demanding a separate flag and Constitution as only "honourable solution" to the issue.

"The deadline of October 31 will be extended after today's (Thursday's) talks. It will be extended and there will be further consultations.

He said it was more or less agreed that both sides needed to discuss further and consult people, including different stake-holders.

"Nagas will not compromise on the two issues. Since the Government of India has recognised the uniqueness of Naga history and its political situation, Indians and Nagas will co-exist as two separate entities based on the principle of shared sovereignty. It is there in the Framework Agreement (signed on 3 August 2015)," the NSCN-IM leader asserted.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)