NSCN IM - CCoNpI meet

After meet with CCoNPI, NSCN (I-M) to resume talks

TDT /NP
DIMAPUR 18th Sep' 2022: CONTRARY to the stand that official negotiations had concluded on October 31, 2019, the NSCN (I-M) has agreed to “resume talks” based on the “formulation of papers” submitted to the Government of India and based on the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.

This significant revelation was made by UDA chairman and CCoNPI co-convenor TR Zeliang to media persons after the two-and-half hour closed door meeting held between Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCoNPI) and the NSCN (I-M) at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima on Saturday.

Zeliang said NSCN(I-M) has agreed to resume talks after the CCoNPI had made the request. He said NSCN (I-M) agreed to resume talks on the condition that “the talks should be based on the Framework Agreement and the formulation papers submitted by both RN Ravi and AK Mishra altogether.”

In this regard, NSCN (I-M) delegation will be leaving for Delhi on Monday and discuss some unresolved matters with the officials of the Government of India Tuesday.

According to media reports, a Central team was working on a new set of ‘formulation papers’ which would include both new and old set of offers so as to facilitate inking of a final peace pact at the earliest.

Zeliang said the NSCN (I-M) delegation’s contention was that they were unhappy with Centre’s representative AK Mishra for “omitting some of the important political points which was included in the formulation papers” earlier prepared by then Interlocutor RN Ravi.

He said no new issues were discussed at Saturday’s meeting except whatever was conveyed to the committee by Amit Shah on September 12 and that the same was conveyed to NSCN (I-M) members. Zeliang said the committee had planned to meet with the prime minister in Delhi but that he directed the Home minister to meet the Core Committee.
Saturday’s meeting comes barely a week after Union Home minister Amit Shah had advised the CCoNPI to impress upon the NSCN (I-M) on signing the final agreement.

Zeliang also clarified that the role of CCoNPI was to act as facilitators and to “convey the feeling of Nagas and the feeling of government of India to the negotiators” adding they were in no way involved with the negotiation.

When asked whether solution can be expected before the upcoming Assembly elections, Zeliang said that would entirely depend on both the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India on whether they were ready to sign the final agreement before the elections. As for WC/NNPGs, Zeliang said they are prepared to sign the final agreement any time.
It was also learnt that the NSCN (I-M) members were also given a copy of the July 16, 2022 resolution adopted by the Core Committee.

Ball in GoI’s court’

Meanwhile, talking to the media, NSCN (I-M) member collective leadership, Rh Raising made it clear that the ball was in the court of the Government of India and not CCoNPI or the NSCN (I-M).

“It is they (GoI) who are to decide. We have been waiting for their response,” Raising stated.

When asked to comment on Government of India’s directive to CCoNPI to convince NSCN (I-M) on signing the final agreement, Raising said “It is in the process. It has to be settled in the table between Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) not here.”

The 11-member NSCN (I-M) team included members of the collective leadership– Rh Raising, TT Among, Kraibo Chawang, K K Angami, VikiyeAwomi, Chuba Pongen, Kimong Lowang, ‘maj’. (Retd) Hutovi Chishi, Akhah Konyak; Indo-Naga Peace Talk coordinator and Naga army chief Anthony Ningkhan Shimray and secretary Indo-Naga Peace Talk Wungmaring Zimik. The
CCoNPI delegation comprising of 20 members led by convenor and chief minister Neiphiu Rio included co-convenors– deputy CM Y Patton, UDA chairman T.R. Zeliang and UDA co-chairman & NPF legislature party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, member secretary Neiba Kronu and members– S. Pangnyu Phom, G Kaito Aye, Metsubo Jamir, KashihoSangtam, Paiwang Konyak, Jacob Zhimomi, Mmhonlumo Kikon, H Haiying, Imkong L Imchen, Chotisuh Sazo, Dr. K Ngangshi, KezhienyiKhalo, Muthingnyuba Sangtam, Yitachu and Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak.
(Source NP)