Source: The Sangai Express
Kohima, August 14:
The NSCN (IM) today expressed hope that the Union Government would respect the "rights and wishes of the Nagas" to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to the political problem at the earliest.
In a message on the occasion of 'Naga independence day' today, NSCN (IM) chairman Issac Chishi Swu said "we see the present opportunity as the best for both sides in decades to end the conflict".
After two days discussions last month in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, representatives of the Centre and NSCN (I-M) had decided to extend the period of ceasefire in Nagaland for another year and resolved to continue peace dialogues for finding an amicable settlement to the protracted conflict.
Swu also thanked the previous NDA Government for "truthfully accepting and recognizing the uniqueness of Naga history and situation".
"Political chair may change but the issue remains the same.
We hope, as the opposition of UPA Government, they will continue to play positive role in solving the longstanding Naga- political problem", the NSCN (IM) chief maintained.
On August 14, 1947, the then Naga National Council had declared 'Naga independence' and since then all Naga underground organizations have been observing this day, a day ahead of the country's Independence Day.
Issac Swu said the Congress-led UP A Government has "boldly picked up the thread" from where the previous Government left.
"In keeping their commitment to the peace process and confirming that no new conditions have been imposed or change made to the agenda and the scope of the talks, NSCN hopes Centre will respect the rights and wishes of the Nagas," the message said.
NSCN (I-M) also said the UPA Government assured the outfit leaders to discuss 'all issues' with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable and honorable settlement as soon as possible.
Earlier, the outfit objected to UPA's common minimum programme which stated that boundaries of North Eastern states will not be altered.
The outfit, which made integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited-areas of the.