Naga peace talks may get fresh impetus in Modi visit to Kohima

While it was in November last year that New Delhi had held the last round of discussions with the NSCN(IM), the Centre’s new interlocutor RN Ravi (who is also chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee) did meet its chairman Issak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah last month. There were also reports of the duo meeting prime minister Modi, but neither side has confirmed or denied this.

The NSCN(IM) has been on a ceasefire with the government of India since August 1, 1997, following which it has held a series of discussions with New Delhi. While the group has dropped its demand for ‘sovereignty’ it has maintained that it would continue to press for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas.

Nagas however are eager to meet Modi, with leaders of civil society groups, like Naga Hoho particularly recalling former NDA prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s stand on the Nagas. Vajpayee, the Nagas feel, was the first prime minister to have recognized the “unique history” of the Naga community. A spokesman of the Naga Hoho said in Kohima that the group will meet Modi and submit a memorandum to press for expediting the Naga peace talks.

Modi, who will stay overnight in Nagaland, is scheduled to meet representatives of various NGOs and civil society groups of the state including the Naga Hoho on Sunday evening. Former chief minister Rio has in a statement asked the Naga groups not to miss the opportunity. The BJP-led NDA government is strong unlike the UPA government, he said in Kohima.

Sources quoting the NSCN(IM) leaders meanwhile have said that the next round of talks with the government will be held soon after the prime minister’s visit to the state. The NSCN(IM) and the government have so far held about 80 rounds of discussions since the ceasefire first signed by both sides in 1997.