Even as the stalemate arising out of Manipur?s denial of entry to its top leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, continued unresolved for the fifth week now, the NSCN(IM) and the Centre on Tuesday reiterated their commitment towards finding an early settlement to the vexed Naga political conflict.
The two sides met for the first time for formal talks in Nagaland since the ceasefire of August 1997, with Muivah spending over three hours discussing various issues with RS Pandey, the Centre?s interlocutor to the Naga peace process in Kohima on Tuesday.
Later, Pandey said the discussions included a wide range of issues based on a set of proposals submitted earlier by the NSCN(IM) to New Delhi. Both sides also expressed their commitment to explore all possibilities to arrive at a consensus on ?certain issues? which are ?sensitive in nature?, Pandey said. Both Pandey and Muivah refused to divulge what exactly were the issues discussed.
?We hope we will be able to hammer out the contentious issues in due course of time,? Pandey said after the meeting was over. Muivah on his part said neither the Government of India nor anyone else could wish away the rights and aspirations of the Nagas.
?The NSCN(IM) is determined to explore all means towards finding a negotiated settlement by removing obstacles standing in the way,? Muivah said.
Muivah also described Tuesday?s discussion as ?significant,? adding that this time he noticed more seriousness and sincerity on the part of the government for finding a negotiated settlement on the basis of ?unique rights, history and situation? of the Naga people.
The NSCN(IM) supreme also said he did talk about the integration of Naga-inhabited areas despite New Delhi?s repeated negation of the demand.