Giving something to NSCN

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"Giving something to NSCN (IM) does not mean depriving Manipur" - Padmanabhaiah

By: G.S. Oinam*

The NSCN (IM) Chairman, Isak Chisi- Swu, and General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muiva who arrived at New Delhi; met the Prime Minister for unconditional dialogue. The meeting is considered 'amicable ' and a significant step in the ongoing peace process but no one that will produce an immediate result. However, the meeting with Prime Minister amidst indication that the centre will try and impress upon them to make their cadres give up arms. Chairman Isak Chisi-Swu and General Secretary Th. Muiva paid homage to the Samadhi of Mahatama Gandi at Rajghat before meeting with Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vaspayee.

It is the first ever visit to Rajghat by any Naga rebel, perhaps the most significant signal yet from NSCN (IM) of its intention to arrive at a peaceful and negotiable settlement. The centre's interlocutor for the Naga peace talk, K. Padmanabhaiah, described the return of the NSCN (IM) leaders to India as 'Historic".

They are returning to India after 35 years. Th. Muivah has busy schedule to meet the Home Minister L.K. Advani. Opposition leader Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Defence Minister George Fernandes, representatives of Naga Social Organisations, Church Leaders and other Leaders of NDA allies including Chief Ministers of various States beside holding talk with Padmanbhaiah and other officials.

1.The major demands of NSCN (IM) are as follows;

Issue on Devolution of power.
Demands on greater Autonomy.
Creation of a single Administrative unit for the Naga dominated areas of the Northeast.
Special economic packages for Nagaland and rehabilitations to its cadres,
Security protection of NSCN (IM) Leaders.

2.What will be Government Responses?

Issues on devolution of power to NSCN (IM) in Nagland will be revolving around. Centre is likely to resolve this issue on devolution of power after the declaration of election result of the General Assembly election of Nagaland to be held in February.
Issues on greater Autonomy or Special Status of Nagaland will likely consider under constitutional framework.
Creation of a single Administrative unit for Naga dominated areas of the North east would be decided in consultation with various State concerns.
Government has already accepted rehabilitation programmes for NSCN (IM) cadres and special economic packages on development.
Government will provide security protection and safety of NSCN (IM) leaders.

"Giving something to them does not mean depriving Manipur" Padmanabhaiah, the interlocutor clarified.

3.NSCN (IM) Leaders tour programmes ;-

His visit to Nagaland; postponed due to security consideration.
His visit to Manipur; does not arise for the time being.

4.What the NSCN (IM) says: -
"Some anti national elements are taking up arms in an efforts to sabotage the peace process."

5.What the NSCN (K) says; -
" Muiva who belongs to the ethnic Tangkhul group, is not a Naga and the said talks with his group Can't be talk on Naga Issues."

6. What the Kuki Inpi, Manipur says; -
"We shall protect the territorial integrity of Manipur; Centre should consider Kuki's issue before NSCN (IM) Peace talk."

Meanwhile, George Fernandes and BJP chief Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday held talks with leaders of Congress rebellion group and Naga's People Front to explore the possibility of an anti Congress alliance for the Nagaland Assembly election to be held in February. However, Congress has demanded that election to be held in time.

* The writer is a correspondent in a New Delhi based News service.

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