Kohima, Apr 05: The NSCN(I-M) has ruled out surrender of arms ahead of the next round of dialogue expected to be held abroad between the organisation's leadership and the Centre's special emissary K Padmanabhaiah later this month. Expressing regrets that "irresponsible utterances" from the Central government representative were still persisting, the NSCN(I-M) leadership in a statement here yesterday said, "it would be unfortunate for all if the atmosphere which was already essentially conducive to the process, was vitiated."

"It should be remembered imposition in any manner from either side will not work," the statement said. NSCN (I-M) alleged despite their statement on January 24, 2003, wherein they hoped "the government of India would appreciate the Naga's sincerity, their firmness in their commitment to the process and their modesty, the Indian government has tended to presume upon it and is indiscreetly pushing towards arms surrender."

The statement said the government of India should know it was not the "time anymore to talk about the Indo-Naga issue out of turn," but to take a bold decision. They also reminded the government of its solemn commitment that it would, "not talk with any group except the NSCN" and warned that "failure to honour the commitment may therefore be disastrous, nay, it may bring end of everything."

Meanwhile, the Centre's special emissary K Padmanabhaiah told a news agency earlier this week in New Delhi that the question of laying down of arms would arise only when a "final settlement" was reached."

Bureau Report