The government will hold talks with the NSCN (IM) leadership over the next three days to continue the dialogue process that has managed to stave off armed confrontation between the insurgent group and security forces in Nagaland for nearly a decade.
A three-member group of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes will resume negotiations with National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) leaders on Tuesday in Amsterdam.
Government officials said the meeting could focus on how to give a "constitutional shape” to the demands put forward by the NSCN (IM) that is acceptable to the government.
"We hope to be able to start an Article by Article study of the Constitution," said an official. The NSCN (IM) has never formally accepted the Indian Constitution. A detailed examination to identify the constitutional provisions that they do not have a problem accepting would be a step forward.
But this is expected to be a long-drawn process; the Nagas have already brought a constitutional expert on board to help them take a position on the negotiating table.