General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) Thuingaleng Muivah on Sunday told its cadres and representatives of various Naga organisations at the fortified Council Headquarters (CHQ) of the underground outfit here that as the chief negotiator of the NSCN(IM) he had made it clear to New Delhi that the Nagas would not accept “imposition of Indian Constitution” on them.
He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram “seemed to be more serious this time.”
Mr. Muivah made his speech after hoisting the NSCN(IM) flag amidst loud bangs of bombs exploded by the demolition squad of the underground outfit to mark the occasion of its 30{+t}{+h} ‘republic day' at the CHQ, about 40 km from Dimapur, Nagaland's commercial capital.
Mr. Muivah said that he had drawn the attention of Dr. Manmohan Singh to the statements made on behalf of the government of India during the peace talks insisting on solutions within the Constitution and clarified the position of the outfit that under such a situation no agreement could be possible.
However, according to Mr. Muivah, Dr. Singh had said, “Past is past and solution would be honourable and acceptable to both the sides.”
NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu, whose speech was read out in absentia by self styled Lt Gen (retd.) V.S. Atem, convener, Steering Committee, said: “In spite of all the disturbances from different angles, our commitment to continue with the negotiation for a honourable settlement through peaceful means remains unchanged.”
Naga Hoho president Kevi Keyhuo urged the NSCN(IM) leaders to ensure transparency in political negotiations with the Centre.
The NSCN(IM) cadres in combat fatigues stood guard en route the CHQ at Hebron hill top and were seen guiding the invitees to the venue beyond the iron gate decorated in a traditional Naga style.
