First Peace Talk in Nagalandl

'We take note of Naga aspiration on integration'
Narain B Sagar | EMN

KOHIMA, JUN 1: Continuing their efforts to find an honourable and acceptable solution to the decades-old Indo-Naga political issue, representatives of the Government of India and the Isak-Muivah group of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) today held the first official peace talk here in Kohima.

Briefing media-persons after the marathon meeting at The Heritage, Centre's Interlocutor RS Pandey said the talks are moving along positive lines. Reiterating the GoI's recognition of the uniqueness of Naga situation and history, Pandey said, "In line with this and with mutual respect for each other, both sides are committed to find an honourable settlement which would be on the basis of negotiated settlement, nothing is to be imposed on each other".
He was hopeful that both parties will pursue with negotiations and make all possible efforts to reach a conclusion as early as possible by understanding each other's difficulties. "We will not allow distractions to come in the way of negotiations," he asserted.
Reminding that this is the fourth official peace parley since the talks reopened, he further revealed that out of the large number of issues contained in the memorandum put forward by the NSCN-IM, several have been resolved while conclusion to some are yet to be achieved.
Maintaining that talks will continue towards finding an honourable and acceptable negotiated solution, Pandey also stated that the next round would be held in Delhi.
Th. Muivah, on his part, termed today's talks as 'very significant' and affirmed that the GoI has invited them to Delhi for the next round. However, he said the NSCN will have to consult the people before that as "we know problems are there and we cannot say all is right".
He asserted that both sides are serious and exploring ways for a negotiated solution based on the uniqueness of the Naga history while affirming that there are possibilities of making certain headway. He also appreciated the seriousness of the Centre's approach this time towards finding a solution and maintained that "we will explore any means to overcome difficulties standing in the way."
On the issue of sovereignty, Muivah made the NSCN-IM position clear that 'sovereignty of the Naga people is with the Nagas and not with other people'. That should be understood very carefully, he stated.
On integration of Naga inhabited areas, he said it is the natural aspiration and right of Naga people while hoping that the GoI would also try to solve that despite their difficulties. "They may have their difficulties, which we appreciate, but through patience I think we can overcome that too," he said. We are honestly going forward to that solution, he added.
On this issue, Pandey reiterated the GoI position that without political consensus boundaries of the states cannot be changed. "Yet we take note of the Naga aspiration and let us see how we make progress and try to reach agreed conclusion," he said.
With regard to sovereignty, he said there is already a concept of shared sovereignty, but said the unity & integrity of India will have to be maintained. However, he stated that all possible efforts will be made to meet the aspirations of the Naga people.
Pandey also appealed to all to create a congenial atmosphere to facilitate the negotiating parties to make progress.
SOMDAL VISIT: Asked whether he would go ahead with his proposed visit to his native village Somdal under Manipur State, Muivah said nothing has as yet been finalised. He also reiterated that the present crisis is not the creation of the Nagas but that of the Manipur Government.
Nevertheless, he said it is up to the GoI and Manipur Government to solve the problem while asserting that the NSCN-IM has been patient thus far.
The GoI was represented by Interlocutor RS Pandey and Special Director Intelligence Bureau Ajitlal while the NSCN/GPRN was represented by General Secretary Th. Muivah, convener SCM VS Atem, Executive member SC Q. Tuccu, kilonser Dr Somba, vice president CNC A. Puni, executive members Yanger Pongener, Zarsie Nyuthe, lt. Col (retd) Victor, convener NJB Tongmet Wangnao, steering member V. Makritsu, Addl Secy Steering Sect Imcha Longkumer and Jt Secretary Jacob Shaiza.