DIMAPUR, Dec 21: NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th Muivah, have once again expressed optimism that an early solution to the Indo-Naga political issue is on the anvil.
“Both the Government of India and the Nagas are serious on finding an acceptable solution to the Naga issue and so we expect the dialogue to move in a more positive way from now on,” the top leadership of the NSCN (IM) told media persons on arrival in Dimapur from Delhi for the Christmas holidays.
However, the timeframe to the realisation of the much anticipated solution is one thing the top NSCN leaders say they cannot commit.
On being asked if a solution could be expected before the State general election in February-March next year, Muivah refused to attach a timeframe on when the solution would likely come about. “In politics of this kind, to have timeframe is not possible,” he maintained.
Despite the uncertainty on the ‘when’, Muivah, however, espoused confidence that an early solution is on the threshold as both sides are very determined to get the issue resolved.
“Both sides are serious. There is no doubt about it. We’ll do the best we can and the Government of India are doing the same thing. But it is very hard to say more than that now.”
On the assurance factor, the NSCN (IM) leader admitted they cannot give any assurance on the issue, other than to do the best for an early solution. “Of course, we cannot assure anything. But from our side, we are doing the best we could and can, and will continue to do that,” Muivah stated.
The NSCN IM leaders also said they will be happy to meet NGOs or any group of Naga people for consultation while maintaining that it is always essential and indispensable to have concrete and objective understanding among Nagas.
“We are subjects of the people,” Muivah said, while asserting that the NSCN is not above the people and that the people have the final say.
On celebrating Christmas in Nagaland, he said, “We’re purposefully coming this time because as we all know Nagaland is for Christ. And this is the season of the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ, and we’ll be happy, the happiest, if we can meet our people and worship and praise together.”
The NSCN (IM) collective leaderships also conveyed Christmas greetings to all Nagas and people of Nagaland. They were later escorted to the Council HQ Camp Hebron by Dimapur police and NSCN functionaries.