No condition to reconciliation among Naga groups: Muivah

There should not be any condition to re-conciliation among the Naga groups and the Nagas must strive for political settlement with the Centre based on their unique history and situation, NSCN(I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah has said.

The on-going re-conciliation must revolve around the Naga people's aspirations for an 'honourable' settlement of the prolonged conflict based on the unique history and situation, he told a gathering here after his arrival from Pughoboto in Zunheboto district yesterday.

The history and situation of the Nagas was recognised by the Centre during peace negotiations in 2001 and both sides expressed their commitment towards finding a negotiated settlement which would be honourable and acceptable to both, Muivah, now on peace mission to different parts of Nagaland, said.

The 'much needed' reconciliation among the Nagas is a 'spiritual as well as political journey' and there would be no difficulty with the Naga underground groups once it is understood and accepted, he said and called upon the people to stand firm on their political beliefs and principles.

Muivah also praised the contribution made by the Rengma Nagas, inhabitants of Tseminyu sub-division in Kohima district before leaving for Wokha to interact with Lotha Naga community on the re-conciliation process as part of his peace mission.

Hundreds of people were seen waiting on the roadside to greet the Naga leader.

At Wokha Muivah told newsmen that he wished to visit as many Naga areas as he could at one go as he believed that for reconciliation the people must first understand the issues involved in the political struggle.

He said his interactions with villagers in the past few weeks were very encouraging because they supported the Naga cause.

NSCN(I-M) officials said after staying a few days at Wokha Muivah would travel to Mokokchung and then go to the border district of Tuensang as part of his on-going peace mission undertaken in the first week of May.

Muivah, who arrived in Viswema village near Manipur-Nagaland border on May 5 on way to his birth place in Ukhrul district, had to defer the visit after the Manipur government strongly opposed the move but decided to go to different places in Nagaland on the peace mission.