Excerpt from an Interview with S. C. Jamir, Chief Minister Of Nagaland at Chief Minister's Secretariat, Kohima)
By: - G.S. Oinam

S. C Jamir (72 Yrs) an energetic Naga leader, presently rules Nagaland with best of abilities and capacities since 1980 is indeed, a forceful speaker, an impressive writer and a shrewd politician. His active role and depth of political acumen was appreciated by the elders and Central leadership. He was the first MP from Nagaland. Immediately he was spotted by Pandit Nehru and was appointed as his parliamentary secretary. The hallmark of his life is work for the unity and integrity of nation, peace solution of Naga political problem and reconciliation and rehabilitation of those who led movement for Naga political awareness.

1.Question: -How do you like to solve Naga Insurgency problem?
S.C.Jamir:-  As far as insurgency in Nagaland concerned, I would like to clarify that it as a political problem. This Naga political problem can be solved only with proper dialogue with all underground outfits. It requires human approach to solve it. State government is suggesting to the centre to hold dialogue with NSCN (K) and others, as one faction alone can't decide future of Naga people. Centre is holding dialogue with NSCN(IM) and progressing in right earnestness. Now, NSCN (K) is willing to talk with centre. That is why my Government declared ceasefire with NSCN (K). It is indeed, a right step from both parties and people hope a long lasting and final solution will emerge soon.

Question: -What is the law and order position with respect to Naga peace process?
S.C.Jamir:-  As a positive step, Government has already withdrawn all related cases on underground leaders. However, anybody involved in crimes in the name of Naga problems will not be spared. State will have to enforce law and order whether it is ceasefire or not. Action will be taken according to law. My stand in this regard is very clear that peace process and dialogue must be work out such that these are acceptable both by the people and the government.

Question:- Suppose centre ask you to sacrifice your Chief Ministership to bring a long lasting solution to the vexed Naga problem. What will be your response?
S.C.Jamir:-  I have already declared both in House and public meeting to step down from Chief Ministership if an alternative arrangement is made by the centre to bring a final and lasting solution to Naga problem. However, my resignation will be tendered only when both the parties arrive at an understanding on people's aspiration and a formal agreement is signed. So I appeal to all underground and over ground organizations to unit under one banner to bring final solution to the Naga problem.

Question: - What is your policy to bring a long lasting solution of Naga problem?
S.C.Jamir:-  First of all we have to understand historical background of Naga problem. On the day India got independence, there was political upheaval in Nagaland.People have two options whether to join India or form an independent soverign State. 90 percent of the people like to live as independent nation. This idea was rejected by the Indian government. However ,Nagaland declared its independence on 14th August 1947.This event led to serious conflict between Naga National Council(NNC) and Government of India. In 1956, the federal government of Nagaland was formed by NNC. It maintained an army known as Naga Army. During the 50's and 60's Nagaland passed through a period of undeclared war, waged between the Indian Army and the Naga Army. As a result of this war, innocent villagers suffered the most. As the conflict became more sever the Naga Army went underground. In 1957, all tribe convention was held at Kohima . A way was find out to settle the conflict and amnesty declared. A third meeting with India Government brought Statehood Nagaland. However, some section of the people protested the India government declaration and remained underground. Clause IX of 9-point agreement made between India Government and NNC is still misunderstood on interpretation. That is why people are revolving. My initiative to hold dialogue with all underground and overground organizations requires human approach to solve it. Both the parties must understand the people's aspiration to bring a peaceful solution.

Question: - So, why don't you join in Naga peace process meeting?
S.C.Jamir:-  We are bound by the Indian Constitution and are following it in letter and spirit. We have submitted the centre for Naga peace process required. I have given my own suggestions to handle carefully this sensitive problem.