NSCN leader Muivah’s Delhi visit brings hope of peace among Nagas

NEW DELHI / KOHIMA/ IMPHAL - National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) leaders Isak and Muivah’s recent New Delhi visit to hold peace talks with the Union Government has set the stage for ushering in a new era of peace in Nagaland.

After a gap of three years, NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah along with other leaders arrived in New Delhi on the invitation of Centre for holding peace talks and finding a solution to the six -decade-old Naga problems.

On February 27, Muivah was given a welcome on his arrival to New Delhi by various Naga students’ organisations.

On March 2, NSCN delegation held a close door talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

The Naga leaders also held series of meetings with newly appointed interlocutor R.S Pandey during their stay in New Delhi.

Leaders of both sides seemed optimistic after the talks.

Speaking to media after the meeting Chidambaram expressed confidence that these talks would lead to a honourable settlement of Naga problem.

“It is my earnest desire that the talks will lead to an honourable negotiated settlement,” he said.

On the other hand Muivah also spoke on the same tone.

“Today I feel very proud to say that Prime Minister of India invited us to come to India for to resume their political talks,” Muivah said.

The visiting NSCN (IM) delegation has put forward 30 demands, which includes sovereignty for Nagaland, and unification of all Naga-dominated areas of neighbouring states.

However Union Home Secretary G K Pillai in a joint address to the media has already said that integration of Naga states and talks on sovereignty are not possible.

Meanwhile Muivaah’s participation in the talks have created hopes of peace. he local expressed hope that the talks would bring peace to Nagaland.

“I am really glad to Indian leaders for welcoming the Naga leaders to resume the talks at highest levels,” said Shem, a local.

Not just in Nagaland, but Nagas residing in Manipur also showed their support for the Indo - Naga peace talks.

People of four districts Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong under the aegis of United Naga Council flagged off rallies for a lasting solution to the problem.

“We are conducting the public rally for supporting the Indo Naga peace talks,” said Lolia, president, Senapati District Women Association.

United Naga Council president Samson Remei said: “Public Peace Rally is to express the desire of Naga people to solve this issue of Indo - Naga political problem by hammering out honourable solution to the vex Naga problem.”

Many rounds of talks between the centre and NSCN (IM) leaders have already been held. The last time the leaders from both sides met were in Zurich a year ago. (ANI)