NEW DELHI, Dec 10 ? Taken aback by reports of clashes in Manipur, the NSCN (IM) today talked of confidence-building measures with other communities, revealing that they were in touch with Meitei and Kuki communities. Briefing newsmen, senior NSCN (IM) leader VS Atem said that they were talking to Meiteis and Kukis. ?These communities of neighbouring region are being taken into confidence,? he said.
During their January visit last year, shimmering tension prevailed in Manipur in the wake of apprehension of Government of India agreeing to extend the ceasefire beyond the territory of Nagaland. The NSCN (IM) leadership, meanwhile, has also not ruled out the possibility of chairman and general secretary, Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah meeting representatives of rival factions. ?We have not received any request so far, but if it made then we will consider,? he asserted. This followed reports from Nagaland that efforts were being made to bring all the factions across the table.
One of the factions of Naga National Council (NNC) has also expressed its desire to meet the visiting NSCN (IM) leaders in Dimapur. Atem, however, refuted claims by the rival Khaplang faction that several people were killed in clashes in Tamenlong in Manipur in clashes since December 8. The NSCN (IM) general claimed that it was United National Liberation Front (UNLF) guerrillas backed by Khaplang faction, which attacked them.
The UNLF was being guided by Khaplang,? he alleged. He also disputed the claims about the casualties by asserting that according to their information only villagers sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, claiming that substantial progress were made in talks with Government of India during the past two years, the NSCN (IM) leader said that Swu and Muivah have been briefing the political leaders about it.
The NSCN (IM) is convinced that any honourable settlement to the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks required the active support and wisdom of the Indian leaders at every leavel of the process. On their fifth day in Delhi, the NSCN (IM) leaders met local Nagas at a function here today. On Saturday, they are slated to meet former Defence Minister, George Fernandes and former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao.
Yesterday, they called on at least six leaders including former Prime Ministers, Atal Behari Vajpayee, VP Singh, Opposition leader, LK Advani among others. ?We appreciate the understanding and the receptiveness of the leaders. We are confident and convinced that the Government of India is sincere in resolving the more then 50 year of India-Naga conflict through peaceful means. There is room for doubt that the ongoing peace process shall bear fruit,? he said. Declining to reveal the details of the discussion, Atem said various issues figured and that there was change in attitude of Government of India.
Asked to explain, he said showing flexibility Government of India has recognised that Naga issue was a political problem and not a law and order issue. When asked what was the change on part of the NSCN (IM), he said that earlier Nagas never considered themselves as part of India. But now Naga leaders are prepared to come as much closer as possible, he claimed.
Asked which Prime Minister played the most significant role in brining the NSCN (IM) to negotiations, Atem named former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao. He recognised that the Naga issue was political problem and must be solved through negotiations.