Kohima: The NSCN(I-M) on Wednesday said the
recent statement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the
territorial integrity of Manipur was 'unfortunate' and it
might affect the on-going Naga peace process.
During his visit to Imphal with UPA chairperson Sonia
Gandhi on December 3, Singh had said "the central government
is committed to the territorial integrity of Manipur". This
statement was made amidst media reports that the Centre was
planning a 'supra state' for Nagas in the Northeast.
The prime minister's statement was a "cause for
concern, as it may adversely affect the on-going Indo-Naga
peace process", an NSCN(IM) release said.
The 'shocked' Nagas were viewing this statement as "a
u-turn to the commitment of seeking the Indo-Naga solution
outside the box and to walk the extra mile to seek an
Honourable political solution in the shortest possible time",
the NSCN(I-M) said.
At the invitation of the Government of India, the
NSCN(I-M) said, the two sides have been talking across the
table for the last 14 years to seek a solution through
political means and gave its commitment for a negotiated
honourable settlement.
The release, issued by information and publicity wing
of the organization, said "Historically, the Nagas have their
distinct culture and territory under the administrative
jurisdiction of the respective chiefs or kings of the villages
from time immemorial" and they were not a part of Manipur.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 07, 2011, 13:27