Solution to Naga issue not far away
Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, MAR 21: NSCN/GPRN Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah on Sunday affirmed that the long delayed solution to the over six-decade-old Indo-Naga issue was not too far but asked the NSCN to retrospect, realise, repent and re-commit to the service of the nation.
Gracing the 30th Republic Day celebrations of NSCN at Camp Hebron near Dimapur, Muivah recounted his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram and said both the Union leaders have expressed seriousness and committed to pave the way towards finding an early negotiated settlement to the Naga issue.
He also said the NSCN itself is to blame on several scores that threaten to derail and destroy the long felt aspirations of the Naga people, saying many have gone astray in the aftermath of the signing of the ceasefire.
“Let us forsake all self righteousness and humble ourselves to let God pave the way,” Muivah opined.
Reiterating that Nagas would decide their own fate, the NSCN-IM general secretary affirmed the need to stand their ground irrespective of any threats stating ‘NSCN and the Nagas owe it to visionary leaders who have paved the way’.
Nagas have taken the decision to live as free people under the guidance of visionary leaders like AZ Phizo, Imkongmeren, Sakhrie and many others who have taken the right decisions in the right moments without compromising on our rights and history, Muivah said while paying respects to these leaders.
“They have shown the right way for the Nagas. I am not a confused man and will not compromise anything come what may,” he said while assuring that in the last 13 years of negotiation with the GoI, nothing has been surrendered or compromised.
On the recent talks, Muivah said he has made it clear to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister that any pre-conditioned talks falling short of honourable and acceptable solution is not acceptable to the Nagas.
“Nagas will not accept impositions but only honourable and negotiated settlement worked out with the blessings of the people,” he affirmed.
Earlier, in his message which was read out by Lt. Gen. (rtd) VS Atem and Convener of Steering Committee Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu said “India and Burma have put us in prison like condition, ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression depriving us to live in peace and dignity.”
Indicating that the NSCN is getting wary of hindrances to the ongoing peace, the NSCN-IM chairman however stated that despite disturbances from various angles, the NSCN was committed to continuing with the negotiation for an honourable settlement through peaceful means.
The Yaruiwo also stressed the need to eradicate social evils like drug abuse, organized crime and alcoholism invading the Naga society.
Other highlights of the celebrations included paying of respect to martyrs, military decoration for cadres, special tunes from OTS choir, Patkai choir, senior workers and ex-Naga army workers.
