Naga Peace Talks On Fast Track, NSCN-IM And Nagaland Core Committee Meet 'Positive'

NEW DELHI/DIMAPUR: The Naga peace talks that had begun in 1997 have been put on a fast track and the crucial meeting between the NSCN-IM and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio-led Core Committee of Nagaland held on Satuday had a "positive" outcome.

Sources said that the NSCN delegation is likely to visit New Delhi soon for a meeting with the Central leaders. "It's definitely seen as good and positive news on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday... But things may be still too early to rejoice," the source said.

"The militant group, which had earlier raised the issues of flag and constitution, is keen for talks with the Centre based on clauses and promises made in the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015," the source said.

The NSCN-IM delegation is likely to meet Central leaders and representatives on September 20. The key meeting between NSCN-IM leaders and the Chief Minister Rio and his colleagues including Y. Patton, deputy Chief Minister and floor leader of the BJP, came within days of the September 12 meeting between the Core Committee and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Centre had categorically made it clear that the onus was on the NSCN-IM to end the stalemate and ensure an early inking of a peace pact.

The Nagaland Core Committee initially proposed to meet the militant leaders after September 22 when the assembly session would end. However, in between due to certain developments the meeting was advanced and held on Saturday. (IANS)

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