NSCN(IM) peace talks still on: RN Ravi

Prime Minister’s envoy for Naga talks, R.N. Ravi, on Thursday called the death of NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chisi Swu a “huge loss”, adding that he was a towering personality of Nagaland.

Pointing out that the Government of India intends to continue the peace process with the same speed, Mr Ravi told this newspaper that it was the prerogative of the organisation to select its new chairman but the government doesn’t want to slow down the peace process.

Informing that NSCN (I-M) chairman was in hospital for last 8 months and was not taking part in discussions directly, Mr Ravi, however, said that he was kept informed about every development. He signed the framework agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) from his hospital bed in August 2015.

Asserting that India wanted to finish off the ongoing peace talks at the earliest as it had been hanging since 1997, Mr Ravi said the peace process was progressing well and consultation with Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh was in an advanced stage.

He further indicated that India would soon remind the Assam government too for consultation on resolution of Naga issues soon. Mr Ravi said there have been some differences between the Central government and NSCN (I-M) but it has been worked out.

Mr Ravi also admitted that there were some apprehensions in the state but only through consultation it may be removed.

He, however, refused to comment on the possible replacement of Swu, saying that the organisation may have applied their mind on this subject.

Narrating his two-year-long contact with Mr Swu, Mr Ravi termed him as a “deeply religious man and a remarkable statesman” who knew what was “best” for the Naga people.

Meanwhile the leaders of Mr Isak’s Sumi tribe in various memorial services have called him as “pride of the community” and “Mahatma” of Nagaland.