Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19
IN the face of mounting pressure from the Naga public to disclose outcome of the series of peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and Government of India, the collective leadership of NSCN (IM), Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah today left for New Delhi to begin their next round of talks with government of India.Speaking to media persons at Dimapur Airport prior to their departure, NSCN (IM) Chairman, Isak Swu, said they are heading for peace talks at Delhi as per invitation from the Government of India. Swu, however, did not specify the dates of the peace talks.
In reply to a query if the NSCN (IM) anticipated any positive outcome in the ensuing peace talks, a reticent Swu said, “We cannot say anything.”
Joining Isak Chishi Swu, NSCN (IM) general secretary Th. Muivah has blamed the government of India for failing to solve the protracted Indo-Naga political problem. Muivah said that the problem lies with the government of India and not with the NSCN (IM). “We are waiting for the government’s response and we are ready from our side. We want a solution as soon as possible,” Muivah added.
He also alleged that many opportunities were lost due to delay in the talks and accused the Centre of applying ‘delay tactics’
According to sources, NSCN (IM) is likely to focus on twin issues of ‘self-administration’ by Nagas in areas they inhabit and the ‘federal system’ in the ensuing peace talks. It was also learned that both sides are likely to evade discussion on contentious issue of the integration of Naga inhabited area following stiff opposition from neighbouring states particularly Manipur, which would be affected the most in such eventuality. According to sources, government of India will be represented by it’s interlocutor and former Nagaland Chief Secretary RS Pandey.
It may be mentioned here that more than 80 rounds of talks were held between the Centre and the NSCN led by Isak Swu and Th. Muivah without concrete outcome in the last 16 years of truce.
The ensuing peace talks may well be the last with the Congress-led UPA government in the Centre and the NSCN (IM) before the next general elections.
