Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on September 16 that the state government’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and the NSCN-IM discussed the delay in Naga political negotiations. The closed-door meeting took place at Chumoukedima, Nagaland. Both sides discussed the proposed formation of an apex committee to facilitate the dialogue. However, the committee’s structure remains under discussion. NSCN-IM leaders described the meeting as a consultation rather than a negotiation.
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Key Facts
- Location: Chumoukedima, Nagaland
- Date: September 16
- Participants: Nagaland PAC and NSCN-IM representatives
- Main issue: Delay in Naga political negotiations
- Proposal: Formation of an apex committee
- Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
- NSCN-IM leaders: Rh Raising and VS Atem
- Current status: Talks remain delayed; committee structure under discussion
Rio Discusses Delayed Naga Peace Talks
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met NSCN-IM representatives in Chumoukedima on September 16. The meeting focused on the delayed Naga political negotiations and the proposed apex committee.
Speaking to reporters after the consultation, Rio said both sides discussed the reasons behind the stalled talks.
He also said the two sides discussed the structure of the proposed committee. According to Rio, negotiations could resume after the committee-related discussions progress.
NSCN-IM Calls Meeting a Consultation
NSCN-IM leader Rh Raising described the meeting as a consultation rather than a formal negotiation.
When reporters asked about the next steps in the decades-long political dialogue, Raising said the outcome depended on the other side.
He also indicated that the NSCN-IM was waiting for developments from the government side.
Earlier Statements on the Peace Process
Rio recently told an Angami tribal gathering that the Naga peace talks had stalled.
He also expressed hope that the negotiations would resume following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance about appointing a Union Minister of State for Home Affairs as interlocutor.
The appointment is expected to play a role in facilitating future discussions.
Background of the Naga Peace Talks
The NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997. Since then, both sides have held negotiations over a political settlement to the Naga issue.
In August 2015, the two sides signed the Framework Agreement. However, several important issues remain unresolved.
These include the NSCN-IM’s demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution. The integration of Naga-inhabited areas also remains a major point of disagreement.
Consequently, the unresolved issues have continued to delay a final political settlement.
NSCN-IM Distances Itself From SC Jamir’s Meeting
Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM has distanced itself from former Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir’s recent meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Reports indicated that the Naga political issue came up during their discussion.
Rh Raising said Jamir was not authorised to speak on the Naga political issue.
He stated that Jamir did not represent the Naga people in the negotiations.
Another NSCN-IM leader, VS Atem, also dismissed the comments. Atem said the people involved did not have the authority or mandate to represent the Naga people in the political dialogue.
The NSCN-IM therefore maintained its position on who can represent the Naga political issue.
What Was Discussed at Chumoukedima?
The Nagaland PAC and NSCN-IM discussed the delay in Naga political negotiations and the proposed apex committee.
When Was the Meeting Held?
The closed-door consultation took place on September 16 in Chumoukedima, Nagaland.
Will the Naga Peace Talks Resume?
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said negotiations could resume after discussions on the apex committee progress. However, the timeline remains uncertain.
What Is the Framework Agreement?
The Centre and NSCN-IM signed the Framework Agreement in August 2015 as part of efforts to reach a political settlement.
Location Context
Chumoukedima is an important urban and administrative centre in Nagaland, Northeast India. The state’s Naga political dialogue has wider significance for peace, governance and regional relations across the Northeast.