Our Reporter
Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): Another round of talks between representatives of the government of India and the NSCN (IM) held on Tuesday failed to break the deadlock over demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution.
They have agreed to meet again on October 30, according to an NSCN (IM) leader who is part of the group’s negotiating team.
“Today’s talk was not progressive. The government of India lacks accommodative spirit,” he told Eastern Mirror on Tuesday night.
Earlier in the day, the Centre’s interlocutor RN Ravi had also met with the working committee of Naga National Political Groups.
It was informed that Ravi had told the working committee members that the government of India intends to end the Indo-Naga talks by October 31.
Rights group says deadline should be ‘realistic’
Asserting that the government of India’s unilateral pronouncement of the October 31 deadline was against the spirit of “reconciliation, recognition and mutual respect”, the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has suggested New Delhi to instead go for a “workable and realistic deadline” agreed upon by the negotiating parties.
This was contained in a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi—in which the rights body had reminded that the “Naga movement started in the form of letters and memorandum”.
“We continue to believe and uphold this tradition and write to you to place our concerns as a human rights group that was born out of the Indo-Naga conflict, guided by human values to protect and restore peace and dignity of our land and people,” read the statement.
According to the NPMHR, the October 31 deadline “appears as a facade to stalling a solution” to the Indo-Naga conflict. “We have every reason to believe that a war-like situation is returning in the Naga homeland that will cost both India and the Nagas dearly, including the neighbouring states in the region.”
It reminded that the Indo-Naga negotiation is between two “morally equal and distinct entities” seeking a political solution guided by universal democratic values and human rights standards. “While the negotiations occur under circumstances determined by India, we expect the world’s largest democracy to demonstrate political maturity and foresight in resolving this political conflict with fairness and dignity.”
The NPMHR also asserted that the October 31 deadline contravenes the agreed principle of negotiations ‘without pre-condition.’ It sought ‘an understanding on the deadline’ without jeopardising the process.
“Any agreement signed should promote justice and peace; strengthen democracy of both the Nagas and India; and nurture a new relationship between the Nagas and India. Any agreement signed must clearly lay down grounds and foundation for its implementation. A mechanism must be created beforehand to ensure that the signed agreement is binding on the signatories,” it further read.
While urging the negotiating parties to learn from the consequences of the history of broken accords, the rights group reiterated that imposition of a deadline after 22 years of negotiation is arbitrary and reflects lack of political will and vision on the part of the government of India.
“Parties to the negotiation must be mindful of the fact that the public must be provided the civil and intellectual space to mobilise themselves to form opinions as right-holders to facilitate an agreement that is truly encompassing and durable. This is a fundamental necessity recognised and practiced in every matured democracy.
“We repose our hope in the political maturity and commitment you will show to the Naga people, and demonstrate your able leadership to the world,” it stated.
