NSCN(IM), Naga groups not to interfere in polls

Guwahati: The ministry of home affairs is not apprehending any major problem during the elections in Nagaland as NSCN(I-M) and Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) have given a commitment not to interfere in the electoral process.

Disclosing that the ongoing peace talks in Nagaland was almost in the final stage, security sources told this newspaper that the peace process was progressing very well and both the parties have reached an agreement on major substantive issues. Pointing out that apart from some local issues, the demand of both the factions —NSCN(I-M) and NNPGs — are almost similar, security sources said that the Government of India has also agreed to incorporate the final outcome of Naga talks in the Constitution.

Admitting that there have been differences on some issues, security sources said the home ministry is confident to thrash out these differences shortly through talks.

About the elections, security sources clarified that the ongoing peace process was not linked to the elections.

“It is obvious that soon after the final agreement, a new regime will take over the leadership in the state,” security sources said, adding that the Election Commission of India was not in a position to stop the elections as neither the government nor NSCN(I-M) and NNPGs agreed to commit on final agreement within a specific timeframe.

Admitting that initially NSCN(I-M) had decided to oppose the elections, security sources said that after a discussion, they decided not to interfere with the ensuing elections process.

Indicating that a large section of NSCN(K) leaders are willing to join the peace process, security sources said that the Government of India has made it clear to all the stakeholders in Nagaland that there will be only one agreement at the end of Naga talks.

Informing that the Centre is hopeful of NSCN(K) joining the peace process soon, security sources said, “If they fail to join the peace process, they will be left out.”

Refusing to give any timeframe, security sources, however, indicated that a final solution to the Naga political problem was a matter of few months only.