NSCN(IM)’s Call For Separate Constitution, Flag Being Discussed: CM Neiphiu Rio

Kohima: The 23-year-old Naga peace talks seem to have found a middle ground over which the Central government and the NSCN(IM) have been in deadlock. NSCN(IM) has been demanding for a separate Naga flag and constitution.

According to Hindustan Times, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who recently caught up with Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi, has categorically said that the central government has been discussing legal and constitutional experts to have a separate flag for the state. On the issue of a separate ‘Yehzabo’ (constitution), the CM said it was likely that a panel would be set up post settlement, to work out the details democratically.

Neiphiu Rio, while speaking at a public meeting at Jakhama, under the by-poll bound Southern Angami-I constituency on Saturday evening, expressed that the final discussions were underway in a positive direction. He also said that Naga people must not think that the movement started by the Naga National Council (NNC) had failed even though hundred per cent of the original aspirations may not be achieved in one go. The chief minister reminded that the past generation had brought about statehood through the 16-Point Agreement. Rio said the present generation’s negotiations must arrive at an “upgraded” pact, while the younger generation would be able to make some agreements on the points that are left out, reports HT.

“If we follow the process of evolution, our future generations can peacefully co-exist with each other,” the CM was quoted as saying by the national daily.