Imphal: The much-anticipated meeting between the Government of India and Naga civil society organisations, led by the United Naga Council (UNC), on border issues concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday without any breakthrough.
According to sources from the Naga body, the meeting between the two parties failed to reach an agreement, as the concerns and aspirations of the Nagas regarding border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) were overlooked. The issues were dismissed by citing evolving national security considerations, without adequately addressing the Naga perspective.
During the meeting, the Naga delegations also suggested that the Centre work to maintain friendly relations among people living at the border and take steps to build trust and confidence within the Naga community.
Furthermore, the Naga delegation asserted that they will only consider participating in the next round of talks if the ongoing border fencing along the Naga homelands is halted.
Sources indicated that the Naga representatives were deeply disappointed by the outcome of the much-awaited meeting convened by the Government of India. The Naga CSOs, led by the UNC, are expected to announce their next course of action after returning to Manipur.
As the meeting ended in disappointment, the customary group photo was not taken. The meeting took place at 20, Subramanyam Bharati Marg, near Navyug School, Pandara Park in New Delhi.
The Government of India delegation was headed by AK Mishra (Advisor, North East), along with eight other officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs. N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur, also participated in the meeting.
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