Four days after describing the Congress leadership immature and holding it responsible for the deadlock in 1967, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) on Monday did a turnaround and praised former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv for trying to solve the Naga issue.
At the residence of Member of Parliament Rama Pilot, wife of late Congress leader Rajesh Pilot, in New Delhi, NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th Muivah blamed Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir for sabotaging the talks between the government headed by Indira and the outfit in 1967.
Isak said, "We have come to meet Mrs Rama Pilot to express our solidarity with her. Rajesh Pilot was a fine man. A man of immense dedication who always had the good of the Naga people at his heart."
"Mrs Indira Gandhi had talks with us on six occasions before the talks were sabotaged by S C Jamir. She later sent her emissaries seven times. Mrs Gandhi was a very wise politician. But unfortunately she was assassinated. Then Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister and he made efforts to reach an accord with us. Rajesh Pilot played a leading role. But unfortunately Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated and Rajesh Pilot passed away sometime back.
"Then Narasimha Rao came on the scene and he had a long meeting with us in Paris. He said we could get in touch with him directly. He too sent emissaries to find a solution to the Naga problem."
Muivah praised Mahatma Gandhi for understanding the Naga problem. "We have been divided by external forces. Mahatma Gandhi understood us and he said that Nagas should get independence," he added.Asked if the NSCN (I-M), in its quest for Greater Nagaland', was trying to take away land from Manipur, Muivah said, "As far as Ukharul is concerned, it is very much part of Nagaland. I belong to that district. It cannot be kept in Manipur."
The two leaders described their talks with the government as useful. "We have had meetings with Prime Minister [Atal Bihari] Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and Defence Minister George Fernandes. We shall continue to talk to them," said Isak.
They reiterated that they were not going to take part in the assembly election in Nagaland. "We have said that our rank and file will not disturb the elections, but that depends upon whether any pressure is exerted on them," Muivah said.
"If the Government of India respects the realities of Nagaland, then we would respect the realities of India ten times more," Isak added.
They made it clear that they were not going to accept anything less then independence.
The two were looking forward to their meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, which was likely to take place on Monday or Tuesday. "We are trying to get an appointment with her. So far we have not heard from her," they said.