Naga peace talks: NSCN-IM refuses to back down from demand for separate flag, constitution

Explained: Naga talks — Long road, issues

The exodus follows the resignation of senior NSCN-IM member Hukavi Yepthomi, who joined the NNPG along with 16 members on Friday. Yepthomi had issued a statement, saying that he was leaving the IM faction in the interest of the people of Nagaland, and referred to NSCN-IM supremo Th Muivah’s demands for a separate flag and constitution as impractical.

However, sources said that despite the outflow of its leaders, the NSCN-IM was “firm on its stand for a separate flag and constitution” and is not looking at backing down.

“We don’t believe that the matter can be resolved by October 31 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has desired. We don’t believe that there will be an agreement by then. But this stalemate can definitely be resolved by the end of this year,” said an IM source.

While the NNPG has been more flexible in its demands, officials in the Nagaland government as well as the NSCN-IM have pointed out that “there can be no peace accord without the IM”.

“If the IM is not on board for the agreement, there is no peace accord, even if the government signs with the NNPG. Signing with Muivah is of huge importance and significance as he has been the face of the conflict. So while it may be symbolic, it is nevertheless vital,” said a senior government official.

Nagaland officials said that Muivah was unlikely to back down “because he has nowhere to go”. “This is a tricky situation for him. He, along with many IM members are Nagas from Manipur. They do not belong to Nagaland, they don’t have land here. Where will they go? They have shed so much blood in Manipur, including that of many of their own people, that they may not be welcomed back. They are also used to a certain lifestyle because of the extortion they carry out. That’s why the IM is dragging its feet,” said an official.

Sources further added that the government and the insurgent groups will also be discussing rights to mining and extraction in the state.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM’s biggest camp in Nagaland, Hebron camp, which houses its top leaders, has nearly “emptied out”, said sources, adding that cadres had started leaving in batches from August in anticipation that the peace talks may fall through.

To this end, and in anticipation of attacks, security has been beefed up across Nagaland as well as Manipur.