The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) Isak Muivah (IM) stated that the group "won't budge in" without meeting their demands in the signing of the accord between the Centre and the representatives of Nagaland.
The group has also refuted media reports regarding the finalising of Naga Accord. “It has become a matter of ridiculous subject doing rounds in the media circle that while the informal talk with the Government of India (GoI) is going on to thrash out the core issues of Naga flag and Yehzabo (constitution), mischief mongers from certain media groups are indulging in wild projection that the Naga Accord is finalized, leaving aside NSCN, pointing to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and security sources," said a statement issued by the group.
G Plus spoke to Kihoti Swu, ceasefire convenor for the NSCN, who indicated that formal talks might be expected with the Centre in the coming days.
On the issue of the demands for a separate flag and constitution, Swu said, "We are not going to give up on this right. It's already ours and we are using it.”
This demand has been seen in contradiction to the Centre’s decision on 5th August 2019, when the Centre revoked the special status, or limited autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu & Kashmir, considered being a separate constitution for the state.
However, the NSCN has criticised the comparison of Nagaland's demands with Kashmir. "The Centre can't compare Kashmir with Nagaland as Nagas have never joined the union of India. We have not signed the Instrument of Accession," said Kihoti.
