|
Naga talks : ‘Indefinite’ extension puts peace in brighter per¬spective |
 |
That the Centre and the NSCN(IM) have seen reason to extend the ongoing ceasefire for an indefinite period beginning August 1, is nothing short of welcome news. Observers feel that the latest accord ends the uncertainty over the truce being renewed every six months or a year has been buried once and for all.
Another positive aspect is that Centre agreed with the NSCN(IM) to hold peace talks on Naga soil itself. The “Dimapur declaration”, however, depends on how the peace talks progress. Which means any party can pull out of the ceasefire if it is not satisfied.
The joint press statement by interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah and Muivah said that both the parties had agreed to strengthen the monitoring mechanism to ensure that the ground situation “remains conducive for the continuance of the ceasefire”.
Padmanabhiah told reporters that they had an “open discus¬sion” on issues related to the ceasefire monitoring mechanism. He further disclosed that more detailed discussions on the Indo-Naga political issue at the Home Secretary level would be held soon, either in New Delhi or Dimapur.
NSCN (IM) spokesman AV Atem also expressed happiness at the successful holding of such historic talks at Dimapur. He said discussions between the Indian and NSCN(IM) leaders were held in a cordial atmosphere. He, however, pointed out that these talks concentrated mostly on ceasefire matters and, of course, for an early solution to the Indo-Naga political imbroglio.
Welcoming the extension, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said this showed the maturity, sagacity and concern of both the parties in finding a solution to the more than a half-century old problem confronting the Nagas. He also hailed the decision to hold the peace talks on Naga soil for the first time.
However, the NSCN(K) ridiculed the manner in which the government of India and the NSCN(IM) extended the ceasefire, saying the rival group - NSCN(IM) - did not have the people’s mandate. It pointed out that the NSCN(IM) was not the true repre¬sentative of Naga sentiments.
|
