Assam CM likely to meet NSCN (IM) leadership to settle Naga Peace talks

GUWAHATI:

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is likely to meet National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) leadership today in Dimapur and discuss the group’s two demands – a separate Naga flag and constitution – in a bid to try and bring about a settlement to the 24-year-old peace process.

"My visit is political and in between, if the chief minister of Nagaland wants me to meet someone, I will meet, otherwise it's a routine visit," said Sarma speaking to the press before leaving for Dimapur, in Guwahati on Tuesday.

The move seems important in view of next year’s Assembly elections in Manipur where the Nagas are the biggest block of voters in 20 out of 60 seats. Sarma, who is also the conveyor of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), had previously participated in the talks between Centre and NSCN-IM. "I have met the NSCN-IM leadership three-four times earlier in Delhi," Sarma added.

Notably, Sarma’s visit also comes days after Governor of state and the Naga Peace interlocutor, RN Ravi was transferred to Tamil Nadu.

Sarma also said that his visit to Nagaland is also to assess the political situation of the state after the opposition parties too became part of the government.

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