Imphal, December 17: The ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) is not unilateral, but based on mutual understanding and mutual decision, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Congress's North East in-charge Oscar Fernandes, who is also the leader of the Indian delegation in the ongoing peace talks, has stated.

Any of the parties can back off from the peace talks if they think it won't lead to anywhere and it is useless, Fernandes, who came to the State yesterday in connection with laying the foundation stone of Tipaimukh Project and Loktak Downstream Project said while talking to The Sangai Express at Parbung yesterday.

The Union Minister and interlocutor of the peace talks admitted that the progress of the peace process has been rather slow, yet he contended that it is proceeding in the right direction.

Observing that the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) is not unilateral, but mutual, Fernandes said New Delhi is aware of the fact that the peace talk has taken a long time but it is the wish of both the parties and the people to continue the ceasefire.

When asked to spell out the main problem in speeding up the peace talks, the Minister maintained that a breakthrough would come about very soon and it would be premature to point out the setbacks at this point of time.

On the 30-point memorandum submitted by NSCN (I-M) as the condition for holding the talks, the Minister informed that the points raised have been discussed over and over again.

There should not be any problem in conceding to some of these points, but some others may take time, he said, while explaining that this is mainly because the interest of not just the negotiating parties, but also the interest of others have to be considered.

When questioned on the Naga integration issue being raised by NSCN (I-M), Fernandes noted it is not just a question of one State and involvement of other States is required.

So at one point of time, the opinions of other States would also be sought on the issue, he added.

On the federal status demand of the Naga rebel group, he maintained that answer cannot be on just one point and went on to say that both the parties are in favour of continuing the ceasefire.

If any of the two parties think, it is leading nowhere, they can simply say enough is enough and walk out from the peace talks, he said, reiterating that the ongoing peace talks and ceasefire is in the interest of the people as well as to conducive peaceful atmosphere.

On the charge of the NSCN (I-M) that India Government is not sincere in its approach to the peace talks, Oscar Fernandes said India Govt is not aware of such charges except the concern of the NSCN (I-M) that the peace talks is taking more time.

To another question on the involvement of NSCN (I-M) in the election process, the Union Minister evaded from giving a direct answer by saying that as a citizen of the country, they have every democratic rights to cast their vote or contest in the election.

So there is no right to stop any citizen from participation in the electoral process, he stated categorically.

Moreover, he pointed out, it is the duty of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair conduct of the election.

The State Govt and the Centre would act in accordance to the instruction of the Election Commission, he said, adding that the Commission is also empowered to deploy security forces if it feels that the use of muscle power and intimidation might be possible during the election process.

The Union Minister further informed that when the next round of peace talks would be held has not been finalised, but most probably it might be held in sometime in February next year.

The talks would proceed on other levels as well, he added.

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