NEW DELHI, Oct 15 - The Naga peace process is deadlocked with both sides sticking to their respective stand.
Separate Naga flag and constitution has stalled the negotiations, as government stood firm and refused to give in. The talks held yesterday remained inconclusive for the second time in two weeks.
While the Centre is keen on signing a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) with the NSCN (I-M) first leaving out the contentious issues like separate flag and constitution for resolution at a later date, the Naga group has opposed the proposal.
The negotiation was chaired by Nagaland Governor and Centre�s interlocutor, RN Ravi while the NSCN (I-M) was led by general secretary Th Muivah.
According to sources, the Monday�s dialogue was relatively cordial.
�The question is how can Nagas come under the Indian Constitution and flag when the negotiating parties have already agreed to exist as two sovereign entities�, A daily of Nagaland quoted a Naga leader as having said.
The Centre suggested deferring the issue of flag and constitution to a later date after coming to a final settlement. �We will not compromise on the demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution,� the Naga leader stressed.
The NSCN (I-M) also objected to reported proposal of signing a deal with the Working Committee (WC) of the rival seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPG). The interlocutor is scheduled to meet with Naga civil society organisations in Kohima on October 18.
