Thursday, April 19, 2012

Naga rebels prepare for peace talks with Burmese government

0 comments
 
Thursday, 19 April 2012 14:18 Nay Myo

New Delhi (Mizzima) – The Burmese government and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-K (NSCN-K), a separatist group that operates in India and Burma, will hold peace talks on Friday, sources said.

Nagaland State in India on the border with Burma Photo: Wikipedia

Naga rebels began an armed struggle more than 32 years ago against the Burmese regime.

Two Naga delegations will meet to work out a negotiating strategy and how to conclude a cease-fire agreement with the government peacemaking team.

Naga National League for Democracy chairman Saw Sa told Mizzima:  “For a long time, they have prepared to negotiate a cease-fire. They will discuss how to stop the fighting and their political differences.”

The NSCN-K, led by S. S. Khaplang, has about 500 soldiers and operates in the Naga mountain range and in northern Lahe and Nanyun townships in Sagaing Region.

Its armed group, the NSCN, was formed in January 30, 1980, to gain freedom for the Naga people and to achieve a union between Naga living in the northeast states of India and the Sagaing Region in Burma.

In 1988, the NSCN split into two fractions; the NSCN-K led by S. S. Khaplang, and the NSCN-IM, led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. The NSCN-K is based in Burma; the NSCN-IM is based in India.

In April 28, 2011, the NSCN-K signed a cease-fire agreement with the Indian government. The agreement is scheduled to be extended before April 28.

According to the 2008 Constitution, the Leshi, Lahe and Nanyun townships in Sagaing Region are described as a Naga Self-Administered Zone. Since 2010, the NSCN-K and the Burmese government have not engaged in armed clashes.

Leave a Reply