Source: The Sangai Express / PTI
Camp Hebron, March 21 2010:
NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah today said he had told Union Government during talks that Naga problem could not be solved within the frame-work of Indian Constitution.
"We have told both the Prime Minister and Home Minister during our meetings in no uncertain term that a permanent solution cannot be found within the Indian Constitution since the Naga problem is unique.
"It needs a unique settlement," Muivah told a function to celebrate the 30th 'Republic Day' of NSCN(IM) here.
Muivah, who came to Nagaland on Thursday after holding talks with the Central leaders in New Delhi, said both Prime Minister and Home Minister were sincere to reach an honourable settlement.
"We have also expressed our commitment to hammer out a negotiated solution, but no imposition from New Delhi will be accepted by the Nagas" he said.
NSCN(I-M) has been steadfast on the historical rights of the Nagas while holding the peace talks with the Centre during the past 12 years and hoped the Government would respect these inalienable rights, he said.
Muivah asked the Nagas to take a right decision since the "time for our victory is not far away".
Turning to the problems of the Nagas, he was critical of some recent incidents within the NSCN(I-M) and also in the Naga society and said that "degeneration" of values might destroy the Naga political struggle.
He called upon all to retrospect to find out where the Nagas had gone wrong.
In his read out speech, NSCN(I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu said Nagas have been seeking for peace but with justice.
"Peace cannot not be found by suppressing the rights of the victims, violating human rights and denying the rights of self-determination to the rightful people," he said.
Referring to the present situation in the Naga society, he regretted "our society is invaded by social evils such as organised crime, drug abuse and alcoholism" and said such degradation would not be tolerated.
Calling upon the people to pursue education, the chairman insisted on upholding the Naga culture of paying respect to women and gender-equality.
Besides armed members of the NSCN(I-M), the function was attended by representatives of several Naga civil society organisations, tribal councils, students and youth bodies, women groups and nearby villagers.
Leaders of Naga civil society organisations urged the NSCN(I-M) to expedite the peace talks and maintain transparency while negotiating with the Centre.
NSCN(K) also celebrated the day at its designated camp at Khehoi, near Dimapur and supported the on-going Naga peace and re-conciliation process initiated by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), a body comprising members from churches, NGOs, civil societies and tribal councils.