The Hindu : Other States / Manipur News : Efforts on to arrange dialogue among feuding Naga factions

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Thursday, Dec 16, 2004

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Other States - Manipur

Efforts on to arrange dialogue among feuding Naga factions

By Sushanta Talukdar

DIMAPUR, DEC. 15. As the National Socialist Council of Nagaland chairman, Isak Chisi Swu, and its general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, are set to hold talks with different Naga organisations, the Naga Hoho, apex tribal council of the Nagas, are keen on arranging a dialoguebetween the two leaders and top leaders of the rival faction, NSCN(Khaplang).

The general secretary of Naga Hoho, Dr. John Murry, told The Hindu that the apex body of the Naga tribal councils believes that unification of the Nagas was necessary as the peace talks had entered a crucial phase.

Dr. Murry said all efforts would be made to facilitate one-to-one dialogue between the leaders of the two factions when the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah NSCN(I-M) leaders were in the State.

"Although in principle everyone agrees on unification of Nagas, the modalities for achieving the much-desired unification can be achieved only when one talks directly," Dr. John said, as he was waiting outside the Dimapur airport to welcomethe visiting NSCN (I-M) leaders here yesterday.

He said the Naga Hoho wanted to fix the dialogue at the public reception organised yesterday by the self-styled Government of People' Republic of Nagalim (GPRN), the parallel government run by the NSCN(I-M) at its Council Headquarter (CHQ) at Hebron, about 40 km from Dimapur.

Dr. John said with talks being held at the Prime Minister-level, the Naga peace process had never had a better opportunity; hence the Naga Hoho is working towards a final solution.

The NSCN (Khaplang) faction has declared it would stopall "military operations" after December 15 and ensure the most peaceful Christmas after the split in the NSCN.

Naga areas have seen bitter factional fighting ever since the NSCN split in 1988.

When asked by reporters during a press conference at the CHQ if they would hold talks with the NSCN (Khaplang) before formal negotiations began with the Centre, Mr. Muivah, said that they were "ready to discuss with anyone who comes forward."

The two leaders of the NSCN (I-M) called upon every section of the Nagas to come to Camp Hebron and advise on the ongoing peace negotiations.

Apart from the Naga Hoho, leaders of other influential Naga organisations, while addressing the function at the CHQ of the NSCN (IM), also pledged their support to the two leaders.

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Efforts on to arrange dialogue among feuding Naga factions