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Naga peace talks |
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Amid reports of hardening stance by the NSCN(IM), the Union Government and the Naga militant outfit began their latest round of talks in Amsterdam on October 17.
While Union Minister Oscar Fernandes is leading the government side, the NSCN (I-M) is represented by its chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah.
The talks are most likely to centre on relations between the Centre and the proposed “Nagalim”. One of the prospective hurdles could be the NSCN (I-M)’s accusation that New Delhi has violated the ground rules of the truce and ignited hatred among the Naga factions.
In a statement on Oct. 16, the organisation said New Delhi “must be careful not to cross the Rubicon” in trying to force a deal during the negotiations in Amsterdam. The statement said the insurgent group would be “compelled to take measures accordingly” if the government did not respect its views. It threatened to unleash an agenda “befitting” the situation.
The NSCN(IM) accused New nDelhi of being unwilling to compromise. “If the Nagas are expected to compromise any further, it will be at the cost of their identity”, the outfit said.
The NSCN (IM) tempered the negativity by saying that it was looking forward to the Centre’s “sincere recommitment to the issue at hand” to facilitate an “honourable solution” at the earliest.
Nagaland govt seeks new truce rules
Meanwhile, in Kohima, the state government has demanded immediate modification of the existing ground rules of the ceasefire. Nagaland home Minister Thenucho said on October 17 that New Delhi and the party engaged in Naga peace talks must strengthen the existing ceasefire ground rules, as in the present form they have become toothless. “The ceasefire is not a licence to kill one another. They must abide by the rules farmed and agreed upon,” he added.
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