New Delhi, Feb 19 (PTI): With fresh parleys between the NSCN-IM and the Centre likely to begin next month, visiting rebel leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu are consulting civil society and church leaders in Nagaland on the contentious issue of creating a “Greater Nagaland”.
“Both of them are holding a series of consultations with civil society, political and church leaders and common people on various issues to garner support for our cause for one political territorial entity for Nagas,” senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang told PTI on phone from Nagaland.
According to a home ministry source, the talks are likely to begin in the first week of March as results of the Manipur elections will be announced on February 27.
Refusing to comment on steps the group may take if the talks fail, Chawang said, “The NSCN-IM is hoping that the Centre concedes to our demands as early as possible. But right now, it’s not the time to comment on presumptions.” Another NSCN-IM leader Rh Raising said the group wanted to make its stand clear. “There have been assurances and commitments. The Centre has been buying time but we cannot be taken for granted,” he said, adding the ball is in New Delhi’s court.
“Our leaders have not come all the way to Nagaland for nothing. They are here with a certain purpose,” Raising said.
