India, Naga rebels hold peace talks, but no agreement signed

The centre held talks with Naga rebel groups on Thursday to put an end to seven-decade long-armed insurrection in the country's troubled northeast. It was expected that the country will sign a peace agreement, but as of now, no peace accord was signed. The rebel group watered down its original demand for an independent homeland and agreed to reach a solution under the Indian Constitution.

New Delhi: India's government and Naga rebel groups held talks on Thursday on ending 70 years of armed insurrection in the country's troubled northeast, but did not sign a widely expected peace agreement.

Nagaland state's top elected official, Neiphiu Rio, said in a tweet that a breakthrough had been achieved in the talks in New Delhi, but gave no details.

• We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you Honourable @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi and @AmitShah for the political will and concern for the #Naga people.

  — Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 31, 2019 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you Honourable @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi and @AmitShah for the political will and concern for the #Naga people.

  — Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 31, 2019

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  We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you Honourable @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi and @AmitShah for the political will and concern for the #Naga people.

  — Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 31, 2019

He described the development as a "great joy for all Nagas and the nation as a whole," and said peace would pave the way for genuine progress and nation-building.

A home ministry statement, however, referred to anxiety among some groups about an agreement and said all stakeholders would be consulted and their concerns are taken into account before any settlement is reached.

It did not elaborate or say whether the government had accepted a contentious demand by one Naga faction for a separate flag and constitution.

India, Naga rebels hold peace talks, but no agreement signed

A seven-member umbrella group of rebels, the Naga National Political Group, also participated in Thursday's talks.

Indian media reports said government negotiators had set October 31 as a deadline for concluding the talks.

Separatist groups have been fighting the Indian government, accusing it of exploiting the region's rich natural resources while neglecting local development.

The Naga insurrection began in the mid-1950s with rebel leaders seeking an independent homeland.

India, Naga rebels hold peace talks, but no agreement signed

In 1997, after years of often-violent encounters between the rebels and security forces, the Indian government and the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland signed a cease-fire agreement and started peace negotiations.

The rebel group watered down its original demand for an independent homeland and agreed to reach a solution under the Indian Constitution.