‘PM is committed to negotiated settlement’
Dimapur | March 18 : NSCN General Secretary Th. Muivah today said Delhi was committed to resolving the Indo-Naga political problem. The NSCN leader who arrived Dimapur airport Thursday afternoon from Delhi, told media persons that in the past few days the NSCN had a series of meetings with the Indian leaders including with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram.
“The Prime Minister is committed and I believe in his sincerity. The Home Minister is also committed to a negotiated settlement,” Muivah said. Asked about the delay in progress of the talks, he said “from our side there is nothing that we have not done. As in the past, we have left no stone unturned.” Muivah said that both sides have to understand each other. He however affirmed that Nagas have to stand their ground and said people who do not stand up for their own rights ‘do not deserve to live.’
On the question of the reported “greater autonomy” offered to Nagas by the Government of India as part of the ongoing talks between the two parties, Muivah said “the question does not arise; our history is clear and our political stand is also clear and we will stand our ground.” Muivah also said that during his stay here, the NSCN will have consultations with tribal organizations and public leaders.
To a query on the “reconciliation” process undertaken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Muivah said all Nagas stand for reconciliation. But reconciliation should be based on “national principles,” he added.
