“If it affects the neighbouring states, it can not be a peace solution”, Baite said alluding to the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah’s (NSCN-IM) earlier demand for a “Greater Nagalim” that should include areas with Naga population in the neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur.
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He praised NSCN-IM leaders T Muivah and Isak Swu for showing wisdom and courage and for making this effort which resulted in the historical agreement.
In his remarks after signing a peace accord with the government, Muivah said: “I thank god for this momentous occasion”.
Further details are awaited.
“Today under the visionary leadership of honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have come close to understand each other and have worked out a new relationship between the two parties”.
In the first half of this year, the NSCN(K) led by SS Khaplang a 15-year-long peace treaty with the Centre and is even spearheading the newly formed group named United Liberation Front of Western South Asia.
According to an official statement, government’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, R.N. Ravi, signed the agreement on behalf of the government of India. It will restore peace and pave the way for prosperity in the North East. It will advance a life of dignity, opportunity and equity for the Naga people, based on their genius and consistent with the uniqueness of the Naga people and their culture and traditions.
“Today’s agreement is a shining example of what we can achieve when we deal with each other in a spirit of equality and respect, trust and confidence; when we seek to understand concerns and try to address aspirations; when we leave the path of dispute and take the high road of dialogue”.
“It is a legacy of the British rule”.
Modi said Naga courage and commitment were legendary and they represent the highest levels of humanism. “It is a lesson and an inspiration in our troubled world”, Modi said. There were not many like Mahatma Gandhi, who loved the Naga people and was sensitive to their sentiments.
Th. Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN, narrated the history of Nagas’ struggle and thanked the Prime Minister for his vision and resolve, which made it possible for the Government of India and the NSCN to reach a settlement.
Today, we mark not merely the end of a problem, but the beginning of a new future. “Nagas will forever remember you for your statesmanship”.
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“Let me guarantee you that Nagas might be reliable”, he added.
