NEW DELHI, Oct 31 - The Centre is likely to extend the deadline for resolution of the vexed Naga problem by another three months, while the two sides have reached a broad understanding on the use of a separate flag.
According to sources, the Centre is likely to extend the October 31 deadline by another three months for further discussion on the demand for a separate flag and constitution.
The talks today were held in two phases in the morning hours and then again in the afternoon. The government side was headed by Nagaland Governor RN Ravi, who is also the Centre�s interlocutor, while the NSCN(I-M) was led by its general secretary Th Muivah.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that it has come to notice of the government that lots of rumours and misinformation are being spread in media, including social media, that the final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon.
This is creating anxiety and concern in some parts of the country, the MHA said, clarifying that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders, including the states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration.
�No credence needs to be given to such rumours and incorrect information,� the MHA added.
The discussion, which has been stalled over the demand for a separate flag and constitution, reportedly saw some forward movement as the Centre has agreed to allow the NSCN(I-M) to use a cultural flag though the Centre has imposed certain conditions in this regard.
According to Naga sources, the NSCN(I-M) can use their �flag� in pan-Naga Hohos, sports and special events of the Nagas. Official use of the flag at government functions, office campuses, and buildings has not been approved, sources added.
This is in keeping with the stand of the Centre to allow the Nagas to use cultural flags but not political flags, sources said, adding, on the issue of a separate constitution no meeting point was reached between the Centre and NSCN(I-M).
Naga sources said they hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make some significant announcement pertaining to resolution of the vexed Naga problem, when he visits Nagaland to take part in the Hornbill Festival on December 1. �It will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s gift to the people of Nagaland during that time,� a Naga news portal announced.
