“The government has identified a few areas where changes are possible. The NSCN-IM has been accordingly asked to study the Indian Constitution and suggest amendments to the government,” informed sources told The Statesman.
The government and NSCN-IM representatives met in New Delhi on 17 July where ceasefire ‘bottlenecks’ and issues like random extortion of the civilian population by the NSCN-IM militants were discussed.
The NSCN-IM was represented by special emissary VS Atem, Phungting Shimrang and Kilonser Kraibo Chawang at the parleys. According to sources, the NSCN-IM has accepted the idea of taking a closer look at the Indian Constitution in principle and has also enlisted the services of a few constitutional experts. However, no names could be confirmed, though the experts could be from abroad also.
Sources said one basic issue for constitutional amendment could be “devolution of more power to the state of Nagaland”.