Naga leaders set deadline to resolve insurgency

Shinde promised to get back to the leaders of Nagaland after speaking to interlocutors and stakeholders.

(Photo: sinlung.com)

New Delhi:  Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has set a deadline for the centre to find a permanent solution to the 60-year-old insurgency in the state.

A high-level delegation from the state led by the chief minister urged federal home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to find a peaceful solution before the assembly polls are announced.

The assembly polls in the state are due early next year.

Several rounds of talks since 1997, when insurgent outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM (NSCN- IM) declared ceasefire, have failed to find a lasting solution.

"We have requested the home minister to expedite the talks with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) and find a solution before the assembly election," Nagaland home minister Imkong Imchem said.

All the 60 members of the Nagaland assembly are ready to resign for an alternative political arrangement, said a legislator, who was part of the delegation.

"We, too, want more autonomy for Nagaland," he said.

Under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, no Act of Parliament applies to the state in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, unless its legislative assembly by a resolution so decides.

Shinde promised to get back to the leaders of Nagaland after speaking to interlocutors and stakeholders, including chief ministers of neighboring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that have Naga population.

The delegation also met insurgent outfit NSCN (I-M) chief Th Muivah here.

NSCN (I-M) is demanding unification of Naga inhabited areas, while guaranteeing territorial integrity of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.