NSCN (K) push to Naga peace talks

The Naga peace talks has received a fresh push from a faction of NSCN (Khaplang), which expressed its willingness to resume the ceasefire with the Centre "in order to pursue the Naga political issue."

The NSCN (K) faction led by Khango Konyak said it is ready to resume the 2001 ceasefire agreement, which the outfit had unilaterally abrogared in March 2015. 

Another faction of NSCN (K) based in Myanmar, however, continue to remain out of the ceasefire.

In a statement Konyak led faction said New Delhi had informed them through Naga Mother's Association and Nagaland Gaon Burha Federation that it was "more than happy to have NSCN return to peace since it is the NSCN which unilaterally walked out of the ceasefire, whereas Government of India still upholds the ceasefire agreement that was signed between NSCN and the Government in 2001." 

This has come at a time the Centre is trying to have all Naga groups including those leading "armed movement" on board before a final agreement is signed for a "permanent solution" to Naga conflict, country's longest political conflict. NSCN (IM), which is in ceasefire since 1997 had signed a "broad framework agreement" with Narendra Modi-led government in August 2015 and is likley to sign a final agreement soon.

The Nagas says they were "independent entity" till the British "handed them over" to India in 1947 and is committed to pursue their same identity. Sources said the final agreement is likely to have some "special provisions" acceptable to both Naga groups and the government.

Konyak, an Indian Naga, who was appointed as chairman of NSCN (K) after its founder SS Khaplang's death in Myanmar last year, was "impeached" in August this year and was asked to leave its camps in Myanmar. Konyak is now in Nagaland. Yung Aung, a Myanmarese Naga and nephew of S S Khaplang was made the new chairman of NSCN (K), which is based in Myanmar.

Konyak faction also asked business communities, government departments and Naga people to remain vigilant and stop paying any "taxes" or succumb to the Myanmar-based group's "desperate threat and intimidation.