Kohima, Aug 08: The Naga National Council (NNC), the oldest underground organisation in the region, today said it has decided to meet faction leaders anywhere in the world as without unification of the entire Naga underground consensus on a permanent solution to the decades-old Naga political problem was not possible. "In the past NNC leaders met the leadership of both groups of NSCN, but unfortunately unification is yet to see the light of the day," NNC General Secretary V Nagi said. He told newsmen that precious years had been lost in internecine fighting. "This cannot go on. We are very serious in our mission for unity." "We will meet leaders of all factions anywhere in the world, either it be Bangkok, eastern Nagaland (Myanmar) or London and hold discussions without pre-condition to bring all of them on a common platform," he said. Hinting that they would first meet NSCN (K) leaders in Myanmar, the general secretary said all possible avenues would be explored to achieve the goal of Naga National Unity first.

After this would arise the question of holding political negotiations with the Centre, he said.
Office bearers of the women's federation under NNC fold also vowed to work for unity and understanding among the warring groups, saying they did not want anymore bloodshed.
NNC had declared 'Naga Independence' on August 14, 1947, a day ahead of Indian Independence. It held a 'Naga plebiscite' in 1951 in favour of Naga Independence, resulting in the longest-running political conflict in the sub-continent.

Bureau Report