NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) convener-Muivah talks positive, says Neiphiu Rio

 Modi and Shah committed to ever-lasting peace in NE: Himanta

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: To expedite the Naga peace process political-level meeting took place among NSCN-IM leaders, including Thuingaleng Muivah, NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) convener Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Dimapur today.

After the political-level talks, the second round of the official-level dialogue between the leaders of the NSCN-IM and former IB (Intelligence Bureau) Director AK Mishra took place.

After the meeting, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are committed to ensuring ever-lasting peace in the Northeast. We had a discussion with NSCN-IM representatives in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio about the ongoing talks between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India. We are keen that the ongoing peace process fully fructifies into concrete results.

"I also discuss the political scenario in Nagaland with Nagaland Chief Minister Rio as well as the forthcoming Assembly election in Nagaland."

After the meeting, the Nagaland Chief Minister said, "NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma conveyed the message of Home Minister Amit Shah to Thuingaleng Muivah. Amit Shah is happy at the resumption of the peace talks.

"The Prime Minister is also keen to resolve the Naga issue. The talks between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Muivah are positive. The Naga peace talks will shift their venue to New Delhi soon. The government is open to discussing the problems."

The Naga peace process got stuck over two issues for years – a separate flag and a separate constitution for Nagalim. NSCN-IM leader RH Raising said, "Any agreement without any of these two – a separate flag and a separate constitution for Nagalim – is unacceptable and meaningless. We cannot sign any agreement ignoring the sentiments of our cadres."

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