DIMAPUR, Nov 1 - The NSCN(I-M) today expressed gratitude to the church, people�s forums, associations, individuals and members of civil society across Nagalim following a broad understanding arrived at yesterday with the Government of India over the use of a separate flag.
In a statement issued to the news agency this evening, it said the chief negotiator Th Muivah along with the members of his delegation expressed sincere thanks to the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council for rising to the occasion �with their steering role�. It appealed to everyone to pray for a graceful conclusion of the 22-year-long peace negotiations.
Expressing its elation, Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) also hailed the �understanding� arrived at yesterday in New Delhi. In a statement, it said that during the negotiations, the Government of India �endorsed the use of Naga emblem/flag specifically for cultural identity within Naga homeland.� The flag has been an expression of the political identity and aspirations of the Nagas since the dawn of their political consciousness, it added.
In a separate statement, the Naga Hoho also expressed happiness over the development, saying the talks culminated peacefully with mutual understanding. It said that fear and uncertainty loomed large in the minds of the Naga people when the talks remained in a deadlock. However, Naga Hoho is elated to have learnt that the differences have been ironed out and the political talks ended amicably on Thursday.
The Naga Hoho congratulated peace interlocutor RN Ravi and NSCN(I-M) leadership for arriving at a �mutual understanding�.
It also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for having the �resoluteness� to solve the political problem. Even as it hailed the conclusion of the �formal� talks, the Naga Hoho, however, said greater responsibilities will now have to be shouldered by every stakeholder towards bringing unity and reconciliation.
All the Naga political groups, particularly the NSCN/GPRN and seven NNPGs, must come together to ensure a peaceful transition, it said.
The Naga Hoho further appealed to all the Naga people, tribe hohos and civil societies to stay united by leaving aside past differences and remain patient till the final agreement is signed.
