NSCN (IM) steering committee convener Rh. Raising said the NSCN believed that the final solution to the Naga issue can be worked out soon if the Government of India does not go back on its commitment.
“The ball is in the court of India,” Raising said.
Raising said this while addressing the “73rd Naga Independence Day” celebrations at Camp Hebron, the outfit’s headquarters, around 45 kms from Dimapur on Wednesday.
Also read: Indian government not committed to solve Naga problem: NSCN-IM
NSCN (IM) chairman Q. Tuccu said both India and NSCN must exercise political wisdom and resource to emerge from the “impasse” over some core issues for a final solution to the Indo-Naga problem.
“The challenges are great, yet, I believe that no problem is too big to solve through mutual respect,” he said.
Tuccu said an honourable political settlement of the two entities is the only way forward towards lasting peace in the region.
Also read: All is not well with Naga peace talk, says NSCN (IM)
Highlighting the Naga peace talks, Raising said the Nagas have been looking for a negotiated settlement that is based on mutual respect and consent.
Raising said the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, was signed after facing many hurdles and difficulties in the talks and that they (government of India and NSCN) are working on to give a final touch it.
He said the agreement was arrived at between the two entities on the basis of the unique history of the Nagas.
He said understanding the reality of the uniqueness of Naga history, the government of India recognised the sovereignty of the Nagas stating that “sovereignty of the Nagas lies with the Naga people”.
The agreement further lays emphasis on “co-existence of the two entities”, Raising said.
The NSCN (IM) said it has been looking for a lasting honourable solution that will guarantee the rights of Nagas and security of India.
Raising said the talks also focussed on the mechanism of inseparable harmonious interdependent relationship of the two entities and durable peace and progress in the land.
“Peace in the region is a prelude to the peace of the Indian sub-continent,” he added.