DIMAPUR, Aug 16 ? NSCN-IM observed ?Independence Day? at its Council headquarters at Camp Hebron in Intangki Reserved Forest near here on August 14. Chairman of the outfit Isak Chishi Swu, who is the president of the ?Government of the People?s Republic of Nagalim? (GPRN) in exile, greeted the people on the occasion of the 57th Independence Day. The presidential address was read out by Rh. Raising, Kilo kilonser (Home Minister) of the group who was the chief guest at the function.
A gathering of nearly 5,000 people witnessed the promotion of lieutenants, colonels, captains and majors of the outfit announced offcially. Highlights of the occasion included march past by the contingents, Naga folk songs, Chakhesang folk songs, exhibition of martial arts and cultural dances of Sumi, Ao and Chang communities. Dignitaries who spoke on the occasion included ex-president (FGN) Scato Swu, ex-Angh (FGN) Noksang, president GBs Federation Tokheho and Human Rights activists, Arunachal Pradesh Jewang.
Later addressing the media persons, Rh. Raising said Indo-Naga talks are in the right direction though there have been hitches in the process from time to time. He pointed out that ceasefire between two parties was agreed upon on three conditions- talks without precondition, talks at the highest level and outside India. The Kilo kilonser, however, said if both sides deliver substance ?venue is not the problem?. He said, after the recent extension of cease-fire, government of India has so far not made any formal invitation to Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah for further talks in India.
On the question of whether the NSCN-IM would be contented with integration of all Naga inhabited areas, he clarified integration is part and partial of sovereignty. ?By integration, we mean Nagas? areas and we are not begging for lands which belong to others,? he said.
?India has also been following a dragging feet policy to fizzle out the spirit of Nagas. NSCN-IM is intact. We can fight for 500 years more. So, peace process should arrive at some logical conclusion,? he stressed.
?Territory is indispensable and it is the right of Nagas and we cannot part with it. No settlement can be done without territory,? he said. Earlier, after unfurling the national flag of the GPRN, the chief guest inspected the guard of honour by four contingents of the NSCN army including a contingent of women cadres.
On the question of whether Padmanabhaiah was an acceptable person to represent India, he said he is ?the reflection of Prime Minister of India?. NSCN-IM leader VS Atem replying to a query on the unification of all Naga factions, said, ?We are proud to say that NSCN-IM represent the aspiration of the people. People who are against the people cannot be termed as representatives of the people.?
?NNC fought with us for 10 years but we subdued them. They are anti-Nagas,? he said, adding, Khaplang had officially declared that Indian and Burmese governments were not their enemies but NSCN-IM is. They fight in the forms of NNC, NSCN-K, Meiteis and Kukis?, he said.
In the backdrop of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act likely to be lifted by the Centre, he said: ?We welcome the move. However it is not our problem.?
?Imphal is a war zone whereas Nagaland is a peaceful state so the question of lifting AFSPA from Nagaland does no arise.? On internationalization of Naga issue, he said: ?Many sympathizers and civil societies abroad support us.? UNO has acknowledged human rights problem due to political problem, he said.