All factions in talks needed for final settlement: Rev Nuh

Imphal, Febuary 07: Renowned Naga religious leader, Rev (Dr) VK Nuh, though not invited to meet the top NSCN (IM) leadership, Isak chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah durling their recent brief stay in Delhi, expressed hope that the talks held in New Delhi between them (NSCN-IM leadership) and Indian Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister and their subsequent interaction with host of political leaders of the country would give impetus towards final settlement of the longstanding Naga political problem. The Naga priest was however, worried that if they didn't include other faction(s) in the talks, there would be still beating the bush. He also said that all facts and figures were required to be taken into confidence for finding a lasting and permanent solution to the problem. "After all we are living in a democratic world and by nature, Nagas are republic and to settle the issue, public opinion should be taken into account," he stated. "Otherwise it will be a failure." Rev Nuh was, however, confident that "ultimately they will include all factions and public for final 'settlement.' He disclosed that churches and Naga Hoho were still working for "reconciliation and unity" among the Nagas and "it is still on progress," "Healing past wounds is a must, so that any settlement with the Government of India will be peaceful," Rev Nuh told the North East Press Service here today. "Otherwise it will be just like another 16-Point Agreement." Rev Nuh also said State Chief Minister SC Jamir used to make statements for "lasting and permanent settlement" on Naga issue but "we are yet to know his genuine concern about the final settlement." "Till now, he (Jamir) never calls Church or Naga Hoho for any progress of the settlement," the Naga priest pointed out. "Therefore the question left to me is whether he has any political vision for Naga people or not?" On the coming Nagaland general election, Rev Nuh said regional political parties including NPF opened their mouth that they would form the next government for "peaceful state." "That means their priority is on that,'' he added. "In fact Naga people need a change and we want a realistic approach towards Naga problem." Asked if 16-Point Agreement gave some kind of insight in the minds the Nagas, Rev Nuh said Nagaland State was not a "gift" from the Government of India. "But it was the outcome of the high price of the blood of many Naga patriots," he explained. He also said granting of a separate state to the Naga people did not solve the Naga problem; rather the situation went from bad to worse. Besides it divided the Naga people very badly, he added.