Union Minister to join Naga peace talks, NSCN (I-M) says ‘encouraging’
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has welcomed the inclusion of a Union Minister or a group of Union-level Ministers in the ongoing Naga peace talks, describing it as an "encouraging" development. This move comes seven months after Ajit Lal, a former Joint Intelligence Committee chief, was appointed as the Centre's pointman for the talks.
The NSCN-IM believes that this addition will "expedite the political process" and create momentum for reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. The group's statement also expresses gratitude to the Nagaland government for its "sincere participation and active facilitation" of the political dialogue. The NSCN-IM, led by Muivah, a Tangkhul from Manipur, has been under pressure from its hardline faction, the Eastern Flank, which has refused negotiations with the government and is not under any ceasefire agreement.
This faction, led by Ikato, the son of NSCN co-founder Isak Chishi Swu, is seeking a Naga flag and constitution, demands that Delhi has stated will not be met.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
