Centre-NSCN-IM framework agreement yet to be finalized, says JIC chief Ravi

R.N. Ravi, the Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), has said that the framework agreement between the government and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) is not the final agreement, and that it is still work in progress.

In an interview given to ANI, Ravi, when asked why the framework agreement has been kept a secret and not released in the public domain, said, "The framework agreement is not the final agreement and we don't serve half-cooked meals, because, as and when we will reach the final agreement, this (the framework agreement), will be part of that.

Ravi said that it would not be in the nation's larger interest to release the framework agreement when its details are not yet finalized.

"I have explained it to all the stakeholders by and large, by going and meeting them, and discussing the issue with them, what (the framework agreement) contains. So, a document as such, as I told you that since it is not a complete agreement, and an incomplete agreement can create issues, so, I think, it will not be proper," Ravi said.

When asked whether a deadline has been set for the framework agreement to come out in its final form, the chairman of the JIC, said, "No, we can't have a deadline. We are trying to make it as early as possible. Well, we are trying our best, but we can't set a deadline."

His comments came a day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh issued a clarification on the framework agreement signed between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India, during his visit to Manipur capital Imphal.

His clarification that "no word related to Manipur contained in the Framework Agreement signed between GOI and NSCN (IM). There is no such provision in the agreement. Even the name of Manipur is not mentioned in it, failed to convince representatives of civil society and students' bodies.

On Wednesday, a large number of womenfolk and volunteers of the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) thronged the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, asking the Governor to urge the Centre to produce the signed agreement before the public.

Talking to media, Manjit Sarangthem, Secretary General, AMSU, said that they will continue the agitation until the Government of India produces a White Paper of the framework agreement.

The All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) organised the rally as a part of the campaign which was kicked off demanding disclosure of the details of the framework agreement between the Centre and NSCN-IM under the theme 'Protection of historical and political Identity of Manipur'.

The agitation was launched on February 5 and is still continuing.