DIMAPUR, Oct 18 (Newmai News Network): “About the solution, we cannot say, but it is sure that the progress is there and of course, the government of India is also more serious and we are hopeful that something honourable will be achieved. Now, the ball is in the court of the government of India.”
This was informed by Thuingaleng Muivah to the strong posse of waiting media persons upon his arrival at Dimapur airport today.
In a hurriedly organised press conference at the airport, Thuingaleng Muivah expressed optimism that `something good` will come out of the talk but refused to pronounce the time-frame for the inking of the settlement. “I said the ball is now in the court of the Indian government”, Muivah reiterated. “The commitment from the highest level that the solution will be based on the unique history of the Nagas means a lot”, Muivah added.
When queried by the media persons on the recent statement of Union Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde who had said that the Naga political issue would be settled by March next year, Muivah said, “I cannot say the time but let us wait and see.”
Both Th. Muivah and the NSCN-I-M and Isak Swu arrived Dimapur after a series of talks with the government of India officials and Central leaders to find a settlement to the Naga problem. Both the leaders were accompanied by their respective spouse and 15 high ranking leaders of the outfit.
Terming it as the “coming for home-consultations,” the two NSCN-IM leaders will be conducting a meeting-spree with the Naga civil societies, tribal councils, Naga intellectuals, activists, public leaders, women organisations and student leaders. It is not clear for how long they are holding at Camp Hebron (the outfit`s base) but sources speculated that “since they are going to have wide consultations with the various organisations a short stay is not going to suit it.”
The ambience to the ongoing Naga peace talks have been sounded on urgency tone, thanks to the Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) floated by the 60 MLAs of Nagaland to press for the expedition of the 15 years long dialogue. The recent comment of Sushil Kumar Shinde about the settlement of the problem by March 2013 has even charged up the atmosphere. All roads lead to Camp Hebron at the moment.