ga pact 'prelimiry', to be confined to galand

Accord primarily economic, with galim demand 'set aside for now'

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Aug 4: As the neighbouring states bordering galand continue to be wary of the contents of the "peace accord" signed by the NSCN(IM) with the Centre on Monday, government sources have said that the accord is a "prelimiry" one that will pave the way for a fil settlement of the ga issue.

The sources also said that the NSCN-IM's most contentious demand - the creation of galim or Greater galand comprising all ga-inhabited areas of the Northeast - has been "set aside for now".

The accord signed yesterday is "more of an economic package", which includes enhanced funding for infrastructure and communication projects, reservation in medical and engineering institutions, besides concessions and subsidies in certain sectors.

Sources also said that the ga Army - the NSCN(IM) cadres - will be absorbed in a new force to be raised on the lines of IRBn or Home Guards.

However, there will be further deliberation for a lasting solution to the six-decade-long insurgency in galand, the sources said.

The document was signed on Monday by NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and RN Ravi, chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee.

After the signing, Muivah issued a statement saying: "Better understanding has been arrived at and a framework agreement has been concluded basing on the unique history and position of the gas and recognising the universal principle that in a democracy, sovereignty lies with the people."

The Government's PIB statement also indicated that it was a "prelimiry" agreement while stating: "Within this framework agreement, details and execution plan will be released shortly."

Some 80 rounds of talks have been held between government representatives and the NSCN(IM) since it agreed on a ceasefire in mid-1997.

Muivah is scheduled to arrive in galand on August 14 and hold a rally during which some details of the framework is likely to be divulged.

Sources also said that some sections within galand and senior 'kilonsers' of the outfit are "not very happy" as their leadership had set aside two key issues - sovereignty and galim.

Sources have not ruled out the possibility of another split in the outfit in the wake of the contentious accord signed yesterday.

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