Guwahati: The Centre has set October 31 as deadline for all Naga rebel groups, including NSCN (I-M), to give their final consent on signing the peace accord, besides deciding on the date for surrendering of their arms.
Ministry of home affairs has sent a very strong message to Naga rebels groups in this regard through Nagaland Governor and interlocutor R. N. Ravi, sources in the ministry told Deccan Chronicle.
The central government has maintained that talks with threat of guns will not be acceptable and asked National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) and NNPGs (Naga National Political Groups) to suggest a convenient date for surrender of their arms. The Centre has rejected outright the demand for a separate flag and constitution for Nagaland.
Sources disclosed that ongoing peace talks with NSCN (I-M) and working committee of NNPGs have reached an advanced stage, with consensus emerging on majority of the issues.
For example, the Centre has agreed to create an Upper House – Legislative Council besides the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly. It agreed to increase the number of seats in the legislative assembly, so that all Naga tribal groups find political representation.
