NEW DELHI, Jan 24? Concluding their forthnight-long tour of Delhi, NSCN(I-M) leaders today left for Amsterdam this afternoon after giving a clarion call to all Nagas irrespective of party affiliations to present their suggestions on the ongoing peace process. The Delhi-round of peace talks that ended without much progress on substantive issues was made up by the farewell given to them at the airport by over 500 Naga delegates belonging to various civil groups. ?We are overwhelmed by the response of the Naga people?, the president of the NSCN(I-M), Isak Chisi Swu told the gathering.
The NSCN(I-M) leaders before their departure told newsmen that they would suggest to the other insurgent outfits in the North-East to hold dialogue with the Centre, if the Union Government responds. ?If the Government of India decides to hold talks with other insurgent outfits of the North-east as we shall advise them to participate in the talks in order to establish peace in the region, Muivah told reporters. The chairman of the outfit added that such outfits have a lot to learn from their experience. But he asserted that a lot depended on the sincerity of the Government. Only then there is a possibility of expecting a similar response from them, they said, adding that most of them were sceptical about the Government?s stand so far.
?The NSCN(I-M) share a close ties with most of the groups. I believe that our talks with the Government will inspire them to enter into a dialogue with the Government?, Muivah said. ?We have sacrificed our lives for the cause of freedom of Nagas and will continue to do so. When you go back tell our people we are always with you?, added general secretary, Th. Muivah before bidding goodbye.
The NSCN(I-M) leaders spend 15 days in the capital meeting top Central leaders including the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, Defence Minister, George Fernandes besides Opposition leader, Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Ministers, V.P. Singh, I.K. Gujral, P.V. Narasimha Rao among others. They are likely to be back in India after a month for the next round of talks. Apart from the joint statement, the NSCN(I-M) last evening issued a communique to their fellow Nagas, which significantly may be a move to involve the various Nagas groups with the peace process. ?Our commitment to the principle of unity and reconciliation of Nagas stand?, the statement said.
?Besides our being a people-based movement, NSCN believes it is responsible to the people and people alone. Therefore, the collective leadership of NSCN issues this clarion call to every Naga irrespective of the party and bindings to give their views and suggestions on the ongoing peace process?, it added. In the backdrop of the demand from Nagaland to involve the all groups and factions with the peace process, the statement may be a veiled attempt to involve them in the peace process before the formal political negotiations get underway.
The NSCN(I-M) leaders have already made it clear that they wanted a political negotiator to head talks since their demands were political nature. The appointment of a political interlocutor, meanwhile, is hanging balance as the Central Government is yet to make its mind on whom to appoint. The names of Minister for DONER, Arun Shourie and Defence Minister, George Fernandes are in circulation. According to sources, NSCN(I-M) leadership have hinted their preference for Defence Minister. Fernandes, significantly has had two meetings with the NSCN(I-M) delegations and does not belong to BJP
Meanwhile, the NSCN(I-M) leaders are apparently elated by the mention of the demand for greater Nagaland in the joint statement for the first time.