GUWAHATI, Nov 22 - The Government of India has decided not to sign separate agreements with different militant outfits of Nagaland, but if any outfit is willing to join the peace process, they would be welcome to do so. This was disclosed by the Centre�s interlocutor for Naga talks, RN Ravi, who is also the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC).
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Ravi said that the Government is for a comprehensive solution of the Naga political issues and it is of the view that signing separate agreements with different outfits would only complicate matters. He said that the Government has already made it clear that if any other militant group including the Khaplang faction of the NSCN is willing to join the peace process, it is welcome to do so. But at the same time, he said that the Government would not wait for a long time for the other ultra groups to come for talks.
The Government of India has already signed a framework agreement with the NSCN (I-M) and steps have already been initiated for a comprehensive solution of the issues. Ravi said that the Government has decided to take all the stakeholders on board and talks were held with the civil society groups, legislators and different organizations on the issues related to permanent solution. �The doors are open for any of the stakeholders to come for talks or to give their suggestions for permanent and comprehensive solution of the issues. But the Government cannot wait for a long time for the other ultra groups. If they do not come for talks now, they will miss the bus,� he added.
The NSCN (K) has broken away from the cease-fire agreement with the Government early this year and formed a common platform with three other rebel groups of the region having bases in Myanmar. Though efforts are being made by different civil society groups of Nagaland to bring the outfit back to the negotiation table but so far, the outfit has not agreed to return to the mainstream to join the peace process.
