Jamir offers NSCN(IM) leaders safe passage

KOHIMA, Feb 24 — Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir has offered senior NSCN(I-M) leaders safe passage to facilitate their visits to State for strengthening the on-going peace process. Jamir announced he was ready to repeal arrest warrants issued against NSCN(I-M) top brasses in connection with the ambush on him on November 29, 1999 near Piphema, where he had a miraculous escape. Addressing a public rally at Pughoboto under Zunheboto district, the Chief Minister reiterated that he had pardoned all those who made attempts on his life for the greater interest of the Naga peace process. Jamir asserted if NSCN(I-M) leaders are Nagas they should come back to the State and see by themselves how the Nagas have been crying for peace, unity and reconciliation.

NSCN(I-M) general secretary Th Muivah reportedly stated that it was not possible for him and his chairman Issac Chishi Swu to visit Nagaland as warrants were issued against them in connection with the incident of ambush. But the outfit rejected the State government’s claim of its involvement in the dastardly attack.

Lauding Naga Hoho and other NGOs for their sincere effort for reconciliation among the Nagas, the Chief Minister insisted involvement of all sections of the society in the peace process to find a pragmatic solution to the vexed Naga issue. Asserting that there must be total halt of factional rivalries among the underground groups, Jamir maintained whether it is NSCN(I-M), NSCN(K) or NNC (FGN), they are all part of the Naga society and they must shun their differences. The Chief Minister discounted the allegations that his government and party came in the way of the on-going peace process, but claimed that the Congress government in the State has been insisting on unity and re-conciliation among the Nagas and extended full support to Naga Hoho and other NGOs.