Nagaland govt desires NSCN(IM) to proceed with dealings

Kohima: The Nagaland government’s core committee (NPI) on the Naga political issue has urged the NSCN (IM) to continue dialogue with the Center.
TR Zeliang, chairman of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), said the core committee, headed by Chief Minister Nefio Rio, made the appeal during a marathon meeting with the NSCN (IM) on Saturday.
Following the visit of Center spokesperson AK Mishra to Nagaland in April, NSCN (IM) leaders flew to New Delhi and returned last week. Zeliang said that after his return, he was saying that he would not hold any further talks with the center.
He said the core committee had requested the NSCN (IM) to continue the talks as any settlement could be reached through it.
Government spokesman Niba Krono said the meeting was held with the NSCN (IM) for a better understanding on the early resolution of the Naga issue.
He said the meeting, which lasted about four hours, considered eligibility.
Krono said it was agreed that further discussions were needed on the demands of the NSCN (IM) to create a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.
He said they also discussed the need for support from Assam Chief Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Biswa Sarma. “It’s better for someone to speak for the center and the Naga people as well.”
Asked if the NSCN (IM) had agreed to include Winter in the process, Crono said he had no problem.
He said that the core committee would inform the Center about all the discussions held with NSCN (IM).