Dimapur | July 19 : The latest peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN/GPRN has made some sort of breakthrough in the search for a solution to the protracted Naga political problem. This was indicated in the joint statement issued by Centre’s interlocutor RS Pandey and NSCN/GPRN general secretary Th Muivah, who is also the group’s chief negotiator, after the latest talks held on July 18 in New
Delhi.
The joint statement stated that “sustained negotiations over the past few months have led to a set of proposals for an honourable political settlement based on the uniqueness of the Naga history and situation which was recognized by GoI in 2002, as well as the contemporary realities and a future vision consistent with the imperatives of the 21st century.”
When contacted, Emissary to NSCN/GPRN Collective Leadership and Convenor of the group’s Steering Committee, Gen (Retd) VS Atem told the Morung Express over phone that after intensive dialogue in the past 2-3 months, GoI and the NSCN have been able to overcome many differences. He also said that both the parties have been able to negotiate on set of proposals though differences still persists.
Nonetheless, Gen. Atem who was also part of the NSCN team in the July 18 talks, said that Government of India had acknowledged the uniqueness of Naga history and political situation. “Nagas will be able to maintain their rights and at the same time we also recognized the difficulties of India,” he said.
On the set of proposals that have been negotiated upon, the Emissary to the Collective Leadership said that it would be too premature to disclose the proposals. He however said that basing on principle of shared sovereignty, “Nagalim” and India will establish a new relationship.
Asked whether the Centre was still opposed to integration of Naga inhabited areas, Gen. Atem made it clear that, “if there is no integration, there will be no solution” as there was no point is seeking a solution as long as Nagas are kept divided. “Government of India has assured us that it is prepared to go extra mile to find a solution to the Naga issue, a solution that is honourable and respectable to both parties,” he added.
On likely date for the next round of talks, the NSCN leader said that though the date has not been fixed, it would be held very soon since both NSCN/GPRN and Government of India prefer to proceed without much waste of time.