Govt of India-NSCN (IM) sign peace accord
Details of the pact yet to be made public; NSCN (IM) lauds Modi Govt; UNC welcomes accord
Source: Hueiyen News Service /NNN/PIB

New Delhi/Dimapur/Imphal, August 03 2015: In a move which has been termed 'historic', the Government of India (GoI) and National Socialist Council of Nagalim or NSCN (IM) signed an agreement on Monday in an attempt to conclude the dialogue on the protracted Naga political issue.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

GoI's Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks RN Ravi signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government.

NSCN (IM) Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu and Ato Kilonser Thuingaleng Muivah were the signatories on behalf of the outfit.

It has been reported that the collective leadership of NSCN (IM) has fully endorsed the agreement and was present during the ceremony.

Govt of India-NSCN (IM) sign peace accord

Though the exact content of the text of the agreement was not available till the filing of this report, Government of India representatives are pinning their hope on end the "oldest insurgency" in the country with this accord.

Government Officials have also expressed the hope that the agreement is likely to restore peace and pave the way for prosperity in the region.

The sustained dialogue between the two sides, "conducted in a spirit of equality, respect and trust, deepened their mutual understanding and confidence, and enabled the two sides to reach an equitable agreement", said a report issued by PIB.

The Government interlocutor RN Ravi also held frequent consultations with broad spectrum of Naga leaders, including those from the traditional tribal bodies, civil society organisations, youth and students' bodies, women's groups, elected representatives and other stakeholders.

These consultations helped in distilling the popular aspirations of the Naga people and in enhancing a healthy atmosphere of trust and understanding.

In his statement at the signing ceremony, Modi lauded the courage and wisdom of the Naga leaders and civil society and thanked them for their co-operation in reaching the agreement.

Govt of India-NSCN (IM) sign peace accord

He also praised the Naga people for their support and the NSCN for maintaining the ceasefire for nearly two decades that enabled the dialogue to succeed.

The Prime Minister spoke of his vision for the transformation of the Northeast region.

He also expressed confidence that the agreement will open a glorious new chapter for the Naga people to build a bright future for Nagaland and also contribute to the nation with a sense of pride and confidence.

Th Muivah narrated the history of the Nagas' struggle and thanked the Prime Minister for his vision and resolve, which made it possible for the Government of India and NSCN (IM) to reach an honourable settlement.

It has been reported that within the framework of the agreement, details and execution plan will be released shortly.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other dignitaries of the Government of India were present during the signing ceremony.

Newmai News Network (NNN) Adds .

After signing the historic peace accord, NSCN (IM) stated that "after decades of confrontation and untold sufferings the Nagas responded to have political dialogue with the Government of India in view of the acknowledgment that the Government of India will seek peaceful solution leaving aside military solution to the Naga issue" .

NSCN (IM) leaders informed Newmai News Network that the attitude of the Nagas towards India changed considerably when the BJP government took realistic step in recognizing the "Unique history and situation of the Nagas" on July 11, 2002."It demonstrated the desire for a lasting and honourable political solution of the issue.

Better understanding has been arrived at and a framework agreement has been concluded basing on the unique history and position of the Nagas and recognizing the universal principle that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people," they said.

NSCN IM) lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his statesmanship shown towards finding possible final political solution.

"We praise the Naga people and the people of India for exercising unprecedented patience in supporting the Indo-Naga peace process.

With all faith and confidence we believe that an honorable peaceful political solution will be worked out before long," the NSCN (IM) added.

Modi spoke to leaders .

Narendra Modi has spoken to various leaders after the signing of peace accord between Government of India and NSCN (IM).

He has reportedly spoken to Governor of Nagaland Padmanabha Acharya, Chief Minister of Nagaland T R Zeliang, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, BSP leader Kumari Mayawati, Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, DMK leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi, Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda and Congress President Sonia Gandhi on this occasion.

Peace accord is positive way for solution: UNC .

K Kopham Kanshouwa.

United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday welcomed the peace accord between Government of India and NSCN (IM).

Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao over phone, UNC Vice President Ts Warngam Anal said Naga people want to settle the issue in a peaceful and time bound manner.

UNC feels that the peace accord is a positive way to bring about Naga solution in peaceful manner.

He further said that UNC cannot not get detail on peace accord, Warngam added.