Source: The Sangai Express/Newmai News Network
Dimapur, September 24:
The much awaited next round of GoI-NSCN(IM) peace-talk proposed to be held in September has been reportedly postponed and for the time being no date has been fixed in this regard.
NSCN-IM chairman and its general secretary Th Muivah along with the outfit�s emissary VS Atem had a three-day meeting with India�s emissaries K Padmanabhaiah and KP Singh at Chiangmai in Thailand from July 28 to 30 where it was decided to extend the current cease fire by another year.
Well placed source in the NSCN-IM said that probably the next round of talk would be held in October.
Mention may be made that on September 21 in Kohima, apex Naga organizations had decided to collectively approach the various factions of the underground outfit to unitedly work out a solution to the protracted Naga political problem with the active involvement of all Nagas, political parties and leaders, student organizations and other social organizations and suggested forming a common forum to approach the factions to come to an understanding so as to further the Naga process.
At that meeting attended by the DAN Peace Committee, Tribal Hohos, Naga Hoho, Naga Council and TMPO, the first of its kind ever held, the leaders of the different tribal bodies were unanimous in voicing that Nagas should talk as one to make their voice heard and heeded.
They were also unanimous in their opinion that political leaders should also sincerely work for the cause of the Nagas, cutting across party lines and affiliations and to come out with a consensus stand.
Some of the leaders even suggested that since the issue is political in nature, political leaders should take the lead and not the Church.
"Political leaders should take the lead, not the Church.
The issue cannot be solved with a healing approach", one of the leaders opined.
The organizations would be convening a "soul-searching" session with all elected members of the Nagaland Assembly, political party leaders, Chief Minister, Governors, former Governors and former Chief Ministers to debate on what would be the appropriate approach to solve the issue.
While admitting that there existed disunity and differences among the various Naga organizations, the leaders also agreed that all Naga organisations organizations should unite before seeking unification of the various factions of the underground movement.
"There should be unity of purpose", one of the leaders said and maintained that there should not be any pre-conditions for anything.
Pointing out that the Naga issue is a very complex issue, he advised the organizations to objectively study the situation before taking any major steps.
"We have to be very cautious in our approach, we cannot afford to let the issue break down at this juncture", he opined.
Charging the Govt of India of playing childish games with the Nagas and trying to create problems for the Naga peace process, some of the leaders in that meeting had demanded that the GoI clarify its position as to what kind of settlement it is after.
However, all agreed that criticism, allegations, charges and counter charges between political parties, factions and organizations through the press should stop and efforts be made to reconcile in the spirit of forgive and forget.
On the issue of tribal differences, they agreed that all should take upon themselves the responsibility of educating their respective tribes to develop the spirit of peace and reconciliation and to come together as one.
They also agreed that the prolonged negotiations were making the situation more complex.
Today�s meeting was represented by the leaders of Naga Hoho, Naga Council, Tuensang & Mon People�s Organisation, Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Chang Khulei Setshang, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Chakhro Public Organisation, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Konyak Union, Kuki Inpi, Lotha Hoho, Phom People�s Council, Pochury Public Forum, Rengma Hoho, Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Sumi Hoho, Yimchungru Tribal Council, Zeliangrong Baudi and Tangkhul Long.