The ULFA chairman also criticised the government of Assam and the government in New Delhi for overlooking Nagaland's bid to encroach upon Assam territory.
Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM has threatened to break its 27-year-old ceasefire agreement with the government and return to its "armed struggle" if its demands for a separate "national flag and constitution" are not met.
Naga rebel group Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah has accused Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh of trying to derail the ongoing peace talks by making 'destructive remarks' against the organisation. According to the Naga rebel group, which had declared a state of truce with the government of India, the Manipur chief minister has shown his "antagonism" towards the peace talks.
Rediff.com's Surajit Talukdar got in touch with author Frans Welman, secretary of the Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Centre, who is considered to be close to the leadership of the NSCN (I-M). Here are excerpts from the exclusive e-mail interview.
The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the operation on Tuesday after hearing the differing viewpoints presented by the home and defence ministries on the necessity of such an operation against the Issac-Muivah and Khaplang factions of the NSCN. The CCS has backed the home ministry view that the Army needs to intervene and clear the two districts of armed militants from both the rival factions
A purported video of the incident showed a discussion between the two sides in which the paramilitary personnel claimed that they had lost their way.
Chipu Menon, senior leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Khaplang faction, a self-styled brigadier in the outfit, was assassinated by suspected cadres of the rival NSCN-IM group at Mon in Nagaland on Thursday night, intelligence sources in New Delhi said
'The fact that NSCN leaders are here in India for talks is a very positive development,' says Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
The agreement for the ceasefire was signed by interlocutor for the Naga talks K Padmanabhiah and NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has asked the Centre to seal off the porous Indo-Bangla border to prevent infiltration by militants from Bangladesh. More than 100 camps of North East-based militants, including the United Liberation Front of Asom, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Issac-Muivah) among others are operating within Bangladesh. India shares a 4,095 km-long border with Bangladesh, including the longest in West Bengal at 2,216-km, part of which is porous.
The talks should lead to an amicable settlement by establishment of a tripartite arrangement to accommodate Meitei, Naga and Kuki, the Kuki National Army said.
The United Liberation Front of Asom on Monday accused the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) of killing its two cadres and abducting seven, a charge denied by the Naga group.
Security measures have been beefed up around NSCN (IM) camp at Hebron, near Dimapur, where the two leaders -- chairman Issac Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah -- would be staying, official sources said.
"This time, we want something concrete from the government on our demands. Otherwise it is futile to meet only for the extension of the ceasefire," NSCN-IM spokesman Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak told PTI on phone.
This was the largest clash in an ongoing conflict between the two groups since December. Both factions are currently in talks with the Centre and have been observing a ceasefire with government forces. The MHA, alarmed at the escalating conflict, wanted the Assam Rifles and the Army to launch an operation to disarm the NSCN cadres of both the factions but so far the Army has resisted the pressure
Govt-NSCN (IM) talks in Amsterdam on Tuesday
The prime minister assured the people of Nagaland that the Centre will always be sensitive to the needs of the people.
'Operation Hurricane' was in progress in state's Tirap district bordering Myanmar.
Let us end tensions that have sometimes existed between us and live as good neighbours, who respect each other's rights, the outfit said in a statement.
The delegates made a declaration and handed over a copy of it to NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and its general secretary Th Muivah.
"All hurdles have been cleared by the Government of India before their visit and the collective leadership are arriving any time in the next few days," said NSCN-IM information and publicity in-charge Kraibo Chawang.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday said his government will continue to work for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state.
They were last here about a year ago.
A joint statement signed by the two sides at the conclusion of their three-day talks said "both parties must work to maintain a peaceful and violence-free environment till then."
During its talks with the Centre, the NSCN (I-M) has demanded the formation of 'Greater Nagaland', which includes parts of Manipur.
Nagas have now a much better understanding with the people of India, NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chisi Swu said after meeting George Fernandes.
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