DIMAPUR, Dec 18 � Seeking to make the stand of the party clear, the opposition Nagaland Congress has assured the people and �Naga National workers� in particular that it will put its full weight to press the Government of India for more sincerity and effort toward securing an early political solution to the Naga issue.
In a release issued today, Convenor of the NPCC, PAC, K Therie said it has been the party�s constant policy to secure political solution peacefully, while maintaining that the Congress initiated the policy of �talks without pre-conditions�.
�Finally, we won the heart of Late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister and President AICC,� Therie said, adding Rajiv offered �talks without pre-conditions� at Dimapur on May 19, 1991. He added that it was unfortunate for Nagaland in particular when Rajiv was brutally assassinated on May 21, 1991.
The release said, in pursuance of its policy, Congress had made its stand clear once again in the election manifesto of 1993 where it had said that the Congress recognises Naga political problem as a movement of the people and a human problem, and therefore, needs to be resolved through peaceful negotiation. Stating that it had continued to lobby at Delhi, Therie said it was on February 22, 1996, that the late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao came to Nagaland and offered �talks with no conditions� at Dimapur after which ceasefire agreements were signed.
While assuring to press the Centre for an early political solution, Therie went on to accuse the DAN Government of having no policy in the last nine years to play any role in securing a solution. �It (DAN) has failed, leaving Congress to take initiative once again and play an active role,� the Congressman said.
He further stated that he had written his personal opinion to all Naga National working groups and also had serious consultations with the Governor who took keen interest and had even taken up with the Union Government. However, coming to learn that the Centre has received proposal from negotiating team, he said PAC of NPCC decided not to intervene and wait and see the outcome.
After a gap of one year when nothing happened, Therie said in May 2012, senior Congress leaders consulted all groups of Naga national workers and found they all want early solution. Therefore, he said, an eight-member Congress delegation headed by president and CLP had met the Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi and Union Home Minister to demand a solution before the next election.
While stating that the Union Home Minister had assured solution before election, he, however, said �since the issue is complicated and sensitive and that since consensus from every section and neighbouring States are required, it is taking more time than expected�. He, however, expressed confidence that a solution is on the anvil.
Asserting that the Congress will not deviate from the policy, the release further asserted that �given opportunity to rule, solution will surely be found wherein every Naga will be honourably placed and development shall be taken forward�.
