Kohima, Oct 29: NSCN(I-M) has welcomed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's assertion on continuation of political dialogue for a honourable solution to the vexed Naga issue. The organisation expressed hope that the Prime Minister's visit, which ended today, would give more "focus" to the Naga political issue so that the problem can be resolved amicably, according to a NSCN(I-M) statement dated yesterday and received here today.
The statement said the outfit in a joint council meeting yesterday reviewed the political situation in the Naga inhabited areas in view of Vajpayee's three-day maiden visit to Kohima and lauded "all mass-based civil societies and people who had come from different parts of the Nagalim" to welcome the Prime Minister in their unique and traditional costumes. NSCN(I-M) also appreciated the "solidarity, love and affection shown by the people of Kohima to thousands of southern Nagas" (Nagas of Manipur), who had come to Kohima to receive Vajpayee, by according them "warmest welcome and treatment". Vajpayee said at a civic reception here yesterday that his government recognised the unique history and position of the Nagas and was eager to find an honourable settlement to the decades-old political problem. Bureau Report