New Delhi witnessed the revival of Naga peace negotiations on August 23, as the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) embarked on discussions. At the heart of these talks lay the complex matter of the Naga flag, a subject of paramount significance.
Sources indicate that the deliberations will extend to August 25, during which decisive steps forward are anticipated to be determined.
The forthcoming round of talks, scheduled for August 25, is expected to delve deeper into the mechanisms to bring about a resolution, as revealed by an informed source.
The delegation from NSCN (IM), led by their prominent figures Ato Kilonser and Chief Negotiator Thuingaleng Muivah, has established a base in Delhi for these crucial discussions. Counterparting them, AK Mishra, the representative of the GoI for the Naga peace talks, is steering the deliberations from the government’s side.
The negotiations between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) have been grappling with a significant deadlock rooted in the demand for a distinct constitution and flag for the Naga people.
The backdrop of these talks traces back to the signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, between the GoI and NSCN (IM). However, despite the passage of time, a comprehensive resolution has remained elusive.
Earlier this month, Thuingaleng Muivah emphasized the necessity for central leaders to articulate their stance concerning the contentious issues of the flag and constitution. He reasserted the inseparability of these symbols from the sovereignty of the Naga people during the Naga Independence Day message on August 14.
Muivah’s statement echoed his belief in the unmistakable bond between the Naga flag, the constitution, and the sovereignty they represent. Urging Indian leaders to confront this reality and act upon it, he asserted the imperative of truth and clarity in these negotiations.
