New Delhi, Oct 31 Even as an atmosphere of happiness and merrymaking spread across Nagaland and parts of Manipur on Thursday evening following news about a 'breakthrough' in the over two-decade old peace parleys between the centre and Naga militants , the Home Ministry on Thursday said talks had not yet concluded and that no credence should be given to such reports and rumours".
Late on Thursday evening, Union Home Ministry issued a statement stating that talks have not yet concluded and that "no credence should be given to such reports and rumours".“It is clarified that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders including states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration," the statement said.
The MHA clarifications came in response to reports of a 'breakthrough ' in the talks.
Nagaland Governor R N Ravi, who was appointed interlocutor in peace parleys in 2014, said the NSCN (IM) has "come on board". The NSCN (IM), once considered most potent armed group in northeast, had joined the peace talks in 1997 during the stint of I K Gujral as Prime Minister.
The group had been raising demands for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas which the government interlocutors could not agree.
Sources explained that modalities for inking the Final Agreement will be worked once Prime Minister takes cognizance of the report from Governor Ravi, a former IB official and a longtime Nagaland watcher.
"The draft agreement will be worked out after consultation with state governments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh," the source said adding this has become necessary especially after protest in Manipur.
It is not yet clear whether the new Naga peace pact will be inked before Prime Minister Modi's visit to Thailand on November 2.
Normal life was affected in several parts of BJP-led alliance ruled Manipur following "cease-work" protest launched by various social groups with their demand that the state's territorial integrity and administrative should not be disturbed
.There is a lot of 'ethnic' issues involved in the entire process in northeast.
A leader of Kuki Women Association said in Imphal, "We welcome peace but it should not infringe into the rights of other communities".
Tangkhul Nagas have dominating presence in Ukhrul and some hill pockets in Manipur and the community has often had differences and violent clashes with the nomadic tribe Kukis. Nagaland government has canceled leave of all police personnel and in Manipur, the administrations have been urged to ensure that prices of essential commodities are not allowed to shoot up in view of tense situations.
In the evening hours as the news of fourth meeting between Mr Ravi and NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah and others in three days ending on 'positive' spread, senior state politicians tweeted hailing the feat. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (NNDP), Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton (of BJP) and T R Zeliang (NPF and Leader of the Opposition) congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing the "resoluteness" to solve the Naga Issue.
In a series of tweets, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said: "It is a historic moment and an occasion of great joy for all Nagas and the nation as a whole".
"We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for the political will and concern for the Naga people".
Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Y Patton tweeted: "I am elated and grateful to everyone for what we have achieved today after all the trying times. The inking of the solution, that respects our unique history, will bring a new and better dawn for the Indo-Naga future".
The National Unity Day could not have been more special, he said in reference to birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He also complimented Rajnath Singh, former Home Minister and incumbent Defence Minister, for his contribution.
Mr Zeliang of NPF said: "The dream and desire of the Naga people for permanent peace and tranquility in our land will soon become a reality after positive outcome of today's meeting".
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| Naga CM Rio: Man and his Destiny |
Breakthrough in Naga peace talks: Muivah, Nagaland Guv Ravi pose for group snap
New Delhi, Oct 31 In a major breakthrough, the 22-year Naga peace talks is understood to have ended on a positive note with negotiating parties including NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah and Nagaland Governor R N Ravi and others posing for a group photograph here on Thursday.
"The talks have finally ended on a positive note....," an informed source said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set October 31 as deadline to the Governor Ravi, who is the government's main interlocutor at peace parleys since 2014.
There were certain hiccups with regard the demand for separate flag and constitution of the Nagas, but the matters have been 'resolved', sources said.
Meanwhile, former Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF leader T R Zeliang congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for having the "resoluteness" to solve the vexed political problem that was punctuated with guerilla warfare and violence for last many decades.
"I congratulate the Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and the Union HM Shri Amit Shah for having the resoluteness to solve the Naga Issue. Also a hearty congratulations to R N Ravi, the interlocutor and the NSCN(IM) and 7-NNPGs for arriving at a mutual understanding," tweeted Mr Zeliang, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Nagaland assembly.
He also wrote: "The dream and desire of the Naga people for permanent peace and tranquility in our land will soon become a reality after positive outcome of today's meeting".
"Once again big congratulations to all parties involved in bringing about understanding," the former Chief Minister wrote.
Muivah: Mercurial Naga
A clarification on the Naga settlement issue
Posted On: 31 OCT 2019 7:51PM by PIB Delhi
It has come to notice of the Government that lots of rumours and misinformation is being spread in media including social media that final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon. This is creating anxiety and concern in some parts of the country.
It is clarified that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders including States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration.
No credence needs to be given to such rumours and incorrect information.
herald an era of peace and prosperity in Naga hills and adjoining regions.
Posted On: 31 OCT 2019 7:51PM by PIB Delhi
It has come to notice of the Government that lots of rumours and misinformation is being spread in media including social media that final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon. This is creating anxiety and concern in some parts of the country.
It is clarified that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders including States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration.
No credence needs to be given to such rumours and incorrect information.
Naga peace pact: Political acumen, economic viability always sparked controversy
New Delhi, Oct 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally take a decision on the agreement to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally take a decision on the agreement to
herald an era of peace and prosperity in Naga hills and adjoining regions.
Once the negotiations with Naga groups are over, Governor R N Ravi will submit a report to the Prime Minister and thus modalities will be worked for a final peace pact.
However, as the focus gradually shifts to the drafting stage for yet another Agreement, it is worth mentioning that this is not for the first time a peace accord will be inked. But what is important is that the economic viability and some of the political clauses of past accords have always been marred by controversies.
The foremost of all the 16 Point Agreement inked in 1960 in Delhi had Clause 13 - which had said that the
Naga tribes inhabiting the "areas contiguous to the present state be allowed to join Nagaland if they so desire".
This, in later stage, had triggered a major row as implementing this clause meant in practical sense - bringing divisions in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
In 2001, Manipur had plunged into intense violence and protest after the Atal Behari Vajpayee government had decided to extend the provisions of Ceasefire with NSCN (IM) to areas "beyond Nagaland".
Finally, the Centre had to back out after Imphal and other places witnessed violence. The fear in Manipur has been that such a move could in the ultimate result in 'disintegration' of Manipur.
In fact, there is no let-up in such apprehension even now and an all-party delegation from Manipur is camping
in Delhi for last few days to share their 'grievances' on the issue with central leaders.
It ought to be understood that Tangkhul Nagas have a 'dominating' presence in Manipur and the mercurial Thuingaleng Muivah who leads NSCN (IM) is himself a Tangkhul.
in Delhi for last few days to share their 'grievances' on the issue with central leaders.
It ought to be understood that Tangkhul Nagas have a 'dominating' presence in Manipur and the mercurial Thuingaleng Muivah who leads NSCN (IM) is himself a Tangkhul.
A state government publication in 1990s had said that the Naga Movement had been started after drawing its "inner strength from a strong desire and common sentiment of belonging to a common family of the Nagas".
There were other clauses and provisions under Agreement - which were difficult to be implemented or were 'unilaterally' violated by the Centre.
The Clause 2 of 16 Point Agreement that heralded statehood for Nagaland in 1963 had said that the state shall be "under the Ministry of External Affairs".
But in later stage, at par with any other state, Nagaland was brought under the administrative
control of Home Ministry.
In 1996, the then Chief Minister S C Jamir, a Indian National Congress veteran, had fired a salvo when he wrote to Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda protesting that the Union government had 'violated' the provisions of the Statehood agreement.
In fact, Jamir was a signatory to the Accord himself.
In fact, Jamir was a signatory to the Accord himself.
There was yet another Clause 11, that dwelt about sharing of financial responsibilities.
The Clause 11 had said that the Government of India will need to "pay out" from the Consolidated Fund of India.
The Clause 11 had said that the Government of India will need to "pay out" from the Consolidated Fund of India.
It is true in general sense the funding from the Centre continued, but since the implementation of the recommendations of NKP Salve-led Ninth Finance Commission, the 'funding pattern' changed resulting in a reduced cash flow.
Time and again - several state governments irrespective of party affiliation - have argued more than once that Nagaland was granted statehood not owing to economic viability but only after culmination of intense rounds of political negotiations.
Time and again - several state governments irrespective of party affiliation - have argued more than once that Nagaland was granted statehood not owing to economic viability but only after culmination of intense rounds of political negotiations.
NPF calls for 'unity' between NSCN (IM) and NNPG to ink peace pact
New Delhi, Oct 31 In a key political move in the run-up to the possible signing of a long lasting peace accord, the principal opposition party in Nagaland, the Naga People's Front, on Wednesday urged the respective leadership of NSCN (IM) and the umbrella organisation Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) to 'unite' and sign the final agreement for peace and progress.
Nagaland Governor R N Ravi, who is the chief negotiator at peace parleys since 2014, was given the three months deadline in August to end negotiations that had begun wayback in 1997 when I K Gujral was the Prime Minister.
The deadline expires on Thursday coinciding incidentally with the birth anniversary of country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - who is also considered a great symbol of national unity and integrity and is greatly adored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Ravi is meeting NSCN (IM) leaders for final round of discussions on Thursday as the negotiations are likely to wrapped up.
New Delhi, Oct 30 Amid one-upmanship and battle of nerves during negotiations at the Naga peace talks, the state governments of Nagaland and Manipur along with other stake holders are also taking a closer look at the risk factor of possible ethnic clashes.
Sources said various agencies have alerted the centre and two state governments that close vigil ought to be maintained in sensitive districts and towns. Incidentally, a ‘special’ alert has been sounded about hill regions of Manipur – that includes hubs like Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati.
In Nagaland, such major concern has been raised along Peren-Athiung region, sources said adding the attack on Christmas shoppers in 1996 was ‘really a big massacre’ when as many as 27 passengers including 14 women and two children were gunned down.
The fear of ethnic clashes has revived along Naga hills and adjoining areas after NSCN (IM), which is in talks with the centre, has alleged a rival group of imparting training in guerrilla warfare to Kukis.
The Kukis are nomadic group and reside in parts of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.
In 1990s, some of these regions witnessed fierce clashes between Nagas and Kukis and at one point even the central government was ‘charged’ of having trying to arm Kuki groups.
In fact, sources said, the then Union Minister of State for Home Rajesh Pilot was ‘questioned’ about the allegation during his trip to Dimapur and the charges were obviously denied outright.
The Kuki National Army (KNA), an outfit, was floated and there were many incidents of mutual killings.
Authorities in both states – Nagaland and Manipur – have taken cognizance of the ‘alerts’ and security have been beefed up.
Nagaland government has ordered cancelling of all leave of police personnel, the district administrations and senior police officers have been asked not to leave their respective headquarters.
In Manipur, instructions have been issued about taking steps against hoarding of essential commodities so that the prices do not shoot up abnormally.
Sources say the ‘complex web’ of militancy in Manipur and Nagaland ought to be understood from the perspective of what is happening on ground. In recent times, even smaller communities like Paiteis and Vaipheis and Zeliangrongs have ‘organised’ armed groups.
In fact, what is seen as a major breakthrough in peace process, Zeliangrong United Front has decided to come forward and join the peace process under the aegis of umbrella organisation of Naga groups NNPG.
Naga peace talks face roadblocks amid fear of ethnic conflicts
New Delhi, Oct 30 The last rounds of peace parleys between the Naga militant group NSCN (IM) and the government of India continue to hit the roadblocks.
Amid major hiccups over demand for separate flag and constitution as articulated by the outfit, which is in talks with the government since 1997, the fear of ethnic conflicts have surfaced as the NSCN (IM) has alleged a rival group of imparting guerilla warfare training to the Kukis.
The Kukis are a nomadic ethnic group in the north east and reside in parts of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur and in 1990s, parts of Nagaland and Manipur saw ethnic clashes.
There are also reports that some NSCN (I-M) cadres have 'deserted' their camps, but the claim is denied outright.
It may be recalled that on October 25, a senior NSCN (I-M) leader Hukavi Yeputhomi announced his decision to quit the organisation and join a rival group along with 16 other colleagues.These developments do not augur well for 'peace' in the state and in adjoining Manipur, sources said.
Meanwhile, last two rounds of talks on Monday and Tuesday between NSCN (IM) and government interlocutor and Nagaland Governor R N Ravi did not yield any positive outcome.
Nevertheless, both sides remained 'serious' on resolving the disputes through talks."There was little progress over the differences on flag and constitution, but talks will continue even on Wednesday.
The government is keen to wrap up the negotiations by October 31 as desired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," a source said.
"Some more rounds of talks may take place on Wednesday and even on Thursday," the source maintained.
However, there was 'progress' in Governor R N Ravi's separate talks with an umbrella organisation of other Naga militant groups NNPG - which has expressed 'keenness' to end the prolonged dialogues and herald lasting peace.
The government side has indicated to the Naga groups that once a 'solution' is worked out, any pending issue can be taken up at a later stage through democratic process.
"The entire Naga issue cannot be held hostage to either guns or to the twin demands of separate flag and constitution," the source said. The government has indicated that provisions of Article 371 (A) which guarantees protection and safe guard of local culture and interest would be 'further strengthened'.
The Nagas in Nagaland and those residing in Manipur could be provided with a good economic package and efforts will be made to ensure that all Naga ethnic groups get a better and enhanced roles in the developmental process.
In view of government's decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, replying to the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has told Lok Sabha on August 6 that the Modi government had no intention to revoke or dilute provisions of Article 371 (A).
Nagaland Guv Ravi holding 'final' round of Naga peace talks
The deadline expires on Thursday coinciding incidentally with the birth anniversary of country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - who is also considered a great symbol of national unity and integrity and is greatly adored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources said the parleys and negotiations are almost over and the government has made 'good progress' in talks with an umbrella organisation of Naga militant groups Naga National Political Groups (NNPG).
The Centre may finally sign the new Nagaland peace accord with the NNPG and apparently the ball is now in the court of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) to be on board.
The NSCN (IM) had inked a Framework Agreement with the government in August 2015.
Adequate economic package for Nagaland state and also for Naga inhabited areas in Manipur have been planned though there are some 'apprehension' in Manipur whether an agreement with Nagas will leave any adverse impact on territorial integrity of the Nagas.
The government has earlier rejected the demand for unification of Naga contiguous areas or division of Manipur or Assam; and taking a pragmatic stance, the militant group NSCN (IM) too has decided not to press for it.
As part of the new agreement, the state of Nagaland may be given the powers to set up Legislative Council but no decision has been taken as of now on whether the incumbent NDPP-BJP government in Nagaland will step down or the assembly will be dissolved to facilitate early elections.
Three meetings in last two days remained 'inconclusive' as differences over the contentious issue of a separate flag and constitution for Nagas still persisted.
However, at the end of second meeting on Wednesday and the third in last two days, sources said "there were positive signs and differences have narrowed down".
Sources said a 'clause' in the final agreement is likely to mention Naga Flag and Constitution stating that these shall be pursued 'post solution' through political and democratic political process.
The use of Flag for cultural purpose may be given a nod.
The news that 'hopes' still persisted brought some relief to the panicked public in Nagaland and adjoining areas as tension prevailed for last one week and more if the situation escalates to violence especially on ethnic lines.
PM pays homage to Sardar Patel, says era of peace in northeast and J&K
Kevadiya (Gujarat), Oct 31 On a day crucial negotiations are being held with Naga militant groups to herald an era of peace and prosperity in northeast India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said there is a changed situation in the far-flung region.
"Algao vad se ...lagaav tak (From a trend of separatism, there is a new mood for unity and integrity)," Prime Minister said here after he paid floral tributes to country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at the 'Statue of Unity'.
The Prime Minister administered a pledge on national unity to a large gathering and also witnessed the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade' by central forces and personnel of Gujarat Police.
In his speech, Mr Modi strongly justified his government's decision to do away with the Article 370 vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir and said Sardar Patel will be happy to note that a 'diwar (wall)' that prevented unity and integrity of the nation has been done away with.
"The Article 370 only gave terrorism to J&K. It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was operational. In last three decades, over 40,000 people got killed and several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall has been demolished".
In the northeast, Mr Modi said decades-old problems are nearing resolution.
"This is not being done by force.....," Mr Modi said, adding that other tools of consultation and mutual consent are being used for the purpose.
A crucial and final round of meeting between Nagaland Governor R N Ravi and NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah is being held in the capital on Thursday to end the 22-year-old peace talks.
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