Dimapur, Jan. 24: A day after its leaders wrapped up their maiden talks on Indian soil, the NSCN (I-M) today said issues relating to Manipur ? a grey area in the entire peace process ? were only a part of the ?Indo-Naga problem?.
Speaking out for the first time on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the Manipur delegation led by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, NSCN (I-M) leader V. Horam today said the Indo-Naga issue should be ?looked in its totality?.
?We don?t want to waste time splitting hairs on the Manipur-Nagaland or Nagaland-Assam issues. We are not for a piecemeal solution, because we are focused on unconditional talks to resolve the Indo-Naga issue. Therefore, the talks should focus on finding a solution to the problem in its totality,? Horam said.
Dismissing recent reports that the Naga leadership had received a concrete proposal for reconciliation from an organisation during their stay in New Delhi, Horam said: ?The NGOs from the Naga areas called on the leadership out of courtesy. We invited them to Delhi for informal talks as well as to enlighten the Indian leadership about the Naga cause and its history. Nonetheless, reconciliation is an ongoing process in which some NGOs are involved.?
Horam said the visit of the NSCN(I-M) leaders was aimed at ?enlightening the Indian leadership about the long and hard struggle of the Naga people and their history?.
Asked if future talks would be held in Delhi, he said: ?Not necessarily. It is likely that the talks will be held abroad.?
He also reiterated the stand of the organisation?s top brass regarding the coming polls in the state. ?The NSCN (I-M) has nothing to do with the polls and we feel that such imposed elections will not lead to any lasting solution. We will focus on a solution, not elections.?
Horam also said: ?In order to maintain the cordial atmosphere after the ceasefire between the Centre and us, we will continue to pursue our policy of not calling for boycott of these elections. We are not going to take any extra step in this regard.?
However, he added: ?Anyway the Naga people are not very interested in participating in such functions.?
Condemning the recent bomb blast aimed at the Kamrup Express, Horam said: ?Various organisations have differences and problems. But civilians should not be the target. It is deplorable. It is altogether a different matter when armed personnel are taken on.?