Dimapur, April 13: After years of negotiations, the central government is set to resume peace talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak Muivah) or NSCN-IM, the largest Naga armed group, to resolve the longstanding insurgency in the northeastern state.
The talks will be held in Dimapur, and the NSCN-IM delegation will be led by Thuingaleng Muivah.
The Nagaland peace process has been ongoing for several years, and the NSCN-IM signed a ceasefire agreement with the central government in 1997. However, the peace talks have been deadlocked over the group’s demands for a separate Naga flag and a separate constitution. The central government has been reluctant to agree to these demands, as it fears it could set a precedent for other ethnic groups in the country.
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Despite the deadlock, both sides have continued to engage in talks, and a fresh round of discussions is scheduled to take place in Dimapur. The talks are expected to focus on building confidence between the two sides ahead of the next round of official talks, which will be held in New Delhi.
The resumption of talks has been welcomed by Naga civil society groups, who have been pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. AK Mishra, the central government’s mediator, is also expected to meet with other Naga political groups and civil society groups during his visit to Dimapur.
The Nagaland peace process is seen as a crucial test of India’s ability to resolve ethnic conflicts peacefully. If successful, it could set a precedent for other separatist movements in the country. However, the talks are expected to be complex and difficult, as both sides have entrenched positions and are unwilling to compromise on key issues.
Despite the challenges, there is hope that a peaceful resolution to the Nagaland conflict can be achieved. The resumption of talks is a positive step, and both sides will need to show flexibility and a willingness to compromise if lasting peace is to be achieved.
