IN a significant development National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) chairman S. S. Khaplang who have often accused the Centre of hijacking the ‘’Naga political issue’’ by holding talks with only one group has said that it was time for the Nagas to bury their “past differences’’ to build a new era of peace for creating an environment to compete with the rest of the world. Khaplang, speaking on the occasion of the NSCN (K)’s 25th  “Republic Day’’ recently, appreciated the peace move initiated by Isak Chishi Swu of the NSCN (IM) by involving Sumi Hoho and the Konyak Union’’. Regarding peace talks with the Centre, Khaplang said,  “Before reaching such political stage, the Nagas should first learn to talk and live as one people and prove themselves as worthy of political beings. This can only happen by improving sincerity among the Nagas and this is prior.’’

Mr. Khaplang said that his organisation would definitely create a conducive environment by reciprocating to the call  of peace and unity by the NSCN (IM) chairman. The NSCN (K) supremo said his organisation believed that it was  for the entire Naga society to realise the urgent need of unity. He, however, regretted that  “some sections of the Nagas sought sincerity from the Centre but did not extend the same to the Nagas’’.

“They believe in ransacking wealth of the Nagas by promoting factionalism. There are also some sections of the Nagas who claimed to be working for the Naga  sovereignty from foreign soil,’’ he said. Recently NSCN (K) has also declared a unilateral ceasefire with all the rebel groups in Nagaland for a period of six months.

Although the Centre has a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (K) it has not yet started any negotiations with the outfit unlike NSCN (IM).  NSCN (K) “deputy kilonser (minister) of the Information and Publicity Ministry’’ T. Seochem Sangtam said, ‘’The ceasefire has been declared from March 21 in order to enable the Konyak union and the Sumi Hoho to accelerate its endeavour for peace and unity among the Nagas and promulgate the November 12 and 13 joint agreement between NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM) delegations which arrived in Zunheboto town.’’ The group has released a copy of the NSCN (IM) letter sent from Bangkok on January 21, signed by its chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th Muivah inviting the NSCN (K) to unite, setting aside the past.The group also said peace and unity among all Naga groups —NSCN (K), NSCN (IM), Naga National Council (NNC) — is the need of the hour. There were indications last year that the Centre could begin talks with the NSCN (K) this year.

Meanwhile, BJP had urged DAN Government to vigourously pursue soultion to Naga problem. BJP legislative party in a recent meeting described the present State Government is the “most opportune government” for the Nagas.  The party also solicited for continuous support and co-operation from all sections of Nagas in the DAN Government’s endeavour for a permanent settlement to the Naga problem. The meeting also discussed in detail about the DAN convenor and BJP MLA Hokishe Sema’s remark in the State Assembly  criticising the Chief Minister’s policy of maintaining ”closeness” with underground factions. The meeting maintained that the     remark of Mr Sema was his ”personal view”.

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