NSCN-IM accepts Ravi’s solution on ‘Greater Nagalim’
The two rounds of discussions held on Wednesday remained inconclusive, but the National Socialist Council of Nagaland is believed to have accepted the solution offered by Centre’s interlocutor RN Ravi on its demand for a ‘Greater Nagalim’
NEW DELHI | GUWAHATI: National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) is believed to have accepted the solution offered by Centre’s interlocutor RN Ravi on its demand for a ‘Greater Nagalim’, even as the stalemate over a separate flag and constitution continued.
Two rounds of discussions held on Wednesday remained inconclusive and both sides would meet for another round of talks on Thursday, officials said.
The draft agreement between the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and Centre’s interlocutor, sources said, acknowledged equal rights and benefits for Nagas staying in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh but didn’t of fer its integration with Nagaland.
The map of ‘Greater Nagalim’ on the NSCN-IM website comprising ‘all Naga-inhabited areas’ shows 120,000 sq km across the Northeast and Myanmar.
The demand for Nagalim has always created agitations in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. “As per the proposal, Nagas staying in Manipur, Assam or Arunachal will benefit from the accord,” a senior Naga leader told ET.
About the demand for a separate flag, a senior NSCN-IM leader said: “This is a complicated situation. Formulations could not be completed on Wednesday.
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There will be another round of discussions with a 15-member delegation on Thursday. We are hoping for a positive outcome.”
The Centre has refused to accede to NSCN-IM’s demand for a separate flag and constitution.
An all-party Manipur delegation is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah over the issue.
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Deputy CM Y Joykumar is leading the 20-member delegation. Several organisations and political parties in Manipur are demanding an assurance that Centre should protect the state’s territorial integrity.
There is apprehension in Manipur that the conclusion of talks may affect state . In 2001, Manipur went up in flames and even the state legislative assembly was targeted.
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Many people lost their lives when the ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN-IM was extended without territorial limit.
On Wednesday, Kuki groups took out a rally in Churachandpur in Manipur seeking protection of their land.
