Revised rules offer hope: NSCN

IMPHAL, January 21: The NSCN(IM) has stated that it now sees a glimmer of sincerity on the part of the Government of India in the Revised Agreed Ground Rules which was finalised on January 13 as it contains the clause that the ceasefire will be extended to all Naga inhabited areas. In a release faxed to The Sangai Express this evening the Secretary of the Naga rebel outfit, V Horam said that though the NSCN is not fully satisfied with the revised ground rules it is the best option in the prevailing condition. The release added that a little sacrifice here and there between the parties was needed to build confidence. Calling for a conducive atmosphere during the peace talk, the Naga rebel group said the Indian security forces and the Naga army should strictly adhere to the ground rules so that the talk may fructify. The Naga rebel group however expressed serious concern at the way the Indian security personnel are playing with the sentiments of Naga villagers. The release called upon all Nagas to think twice before accepting the Indian security forces' offer of constructing bridges, roads, playgrounds, community halls, schools and church buildings. "Beneath the bait lies the hook", said the NSCN. Citing examples, the release pointed out that the US had built bridges and roads in Philippines only to use them later against the Philippines people. "Never ever sell out your rights in exchange for a red blanket", extorted the NSCN. The NSCN also rubbished the claim of the security forces that the two leaders of the outfit, Isak Chisi and T Muivah are leading a luxurious life on foreign soil. The release also said the claim that NSCN leaders have shares in multi national companies are purely ploys to hood wink the Naga people. The release said that the integrity of the two leaders who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Naga people should not be doubted. The NSCN has also extended its gratitude to the Naga civil groups for the unstinted support given in the peace talk and further called for mass participation. The outfit also said they acknowledge the difficulties faced by the media persons while dealing in a conflict situation like the Indo-Naga issue. The release effused optimism that the ongoing peace talk will fructify and urged the people to be patient as a solution cannot just materialise overnight and reminded all that the Naga issue sated back to more than five decades.