DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (MExN): Pointing out that he was “in a hurry to go to Nagaland”, NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah in an interview to The Telegraph before leaving for Dimapur said that Naga people needed to be briefed about the developments in the talks. “And then we need to take a decision on what is necessary.” Muivah did not wish to elaborate what that necessary “decision” might be.
According to the published news report carried in today’s edition of the Kolkata based newspaper, Muivah did not seem deterred by threats from the rival NSCN (K) faction. “We have been fighting against the mighty and modern Indian armed forces. We don’t get scared by such threats. Whatever may be the circumstances, we stand our ground and take pride in it. To us that is where the meaning of life lies. Nothing can deter us from the cause of the Naga people. We welcome any challenge”, Muivah reportedly said.
Muivah denied that Naga society was deeply divided on tribal lines, saying: “In every family there are differences. But there are broader causes for which the family unites. The Nagas, irrespective of regional or tribal loyalties, are united for the nation.”
He argued that “issues pertaining to the nation” had never been decided on tribal lines. Dismissing those who were citing tribal differences as “jokers dancing to the tune of Indian intelligence agencies”, he wondered whether they understood the Nagas at all.
“None of the agreements up to now — neither the nine-point agreement nor the 16-point agreement and not even the Shillong accord was signed on tribal lines. Nor will peace come in Nagaland on tribal basis. This is clear to every Naga man, woman and child,” he declared.
Why had Isak Swu, chairman of the NSCN (IM), slipped into India through the land route from Bangladesh and not come to Delhi with him? Muivah replied: “We do what we think is convenient. So Mr Isak Swu can come walking on foot, by train or even by air. That is his choice.”
When it was suggested that the lack of coordination reflected differences between the two top leaders, Muivah laughed and said: “We know each other too well. Whatever people with vested interests may say, the two of us are bound together for the Naga cause eternally. Make no mistake about that.”
