Naga talks progressing well; solution soon: Govt & NSCN-IM

New Delhi: The Centre and the NSCN-IM today said the ongoing peace dialogue to bring a lasting solution to the vexed Naga insurgency problem have been going on in right direction and a final solution is expected soon.

A joint Communique issued by government interlocutor for Naga talks R N Ravi and NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said the political initiative of the two sides to amicably resolve the Naga political issue has received a new urgency and impetus during the last two years.

"We assure the people that the talks have been progressing in right direction with determination. We are closer than ever before to the final settlement and hope to conclude it sooner than later," the communique said.
Ravi and Muivah said the peace dialogue have become more purposeful, less ritualistic, more forthright and far more frequent.

"In the last two years we met more times than all the years before. It helped building unprecedented mutual understanding and trust," the communique said.

It said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statesmanship, his respect and love for the Naga people, their legitimate rights and aspirations and wisdom of the Naga leaders could lead to the historic Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 which settles the political parameters of the final solution.

The pact was signed by Muivah and Ravi in the presence of the Prime Minister, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval at Modi's residence here.

The signing of the agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations that spanned 18 years with first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed.

"Within these parameters, details are being worked out in earnest," it said adding the prolonged illness and unfortunate passing away of NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu adversely impacted the process and his departure is a big loss for both sides. Swu died in June last.