A day after they arrived to a rousing welcome in Nagaland for the first time in three decades, NSCN(I-M) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah today began meeting members of various NGOs and social organisations in order to find out what the Nagas at the ground level were looking for.But what the NSCN(I-M) leaders are probably looking for is the much-needed positive signal from the rival NSCN(K), without which any solution to the five decades-old Naga issue does not seem possible. ‘‘It is a clarion call (to all Naga factions) to unite and come forward to work together for a final solution,’’ NSCN(I-M) chairman Swu had said yesterday.The NSCN(K) had already announced it would ‘‘halt all military operations’’ from today in order to ensure that the ensuing Christmas was not marred by fratricidal clashes as had happened several times in the past.‘‘The NSCN(K) has strived for peace and unity among the Nagas and this leverage has always been backed by various unilateral ceasefire offers to different groups. But, while some Naga brothers have been uniform, some others, who have been misled, have not. This Christmas, the NSCN(K) is optimistic that peace and unity will definitely be achieved,’’ a statement issued through newspapers here a day head of Swu and Muivah’s arrival in Nagaland said.Interestingly, though the Central Government has recognised the NSCN(I-M) as the most important Naga rebel group and has thus given more importance to carrying on negotiations with it, it has become increasingly clear that the onus of uniting the different underground Naga groups has also been now vested on the NSCN(I-M).With unity among the Nagas becoming a kind of pre-condition for a final solution, Muivah and Swu seem all set to prevail upon the various Naga organisations like the Naga Hoho, Naga Council and Naga Mothers’ Association to create a situation, if not exert pressure on the NSCN(K), to come under one umbrella.This had already become clear yesterday when M. Vero, president of the Naga Hoho, while welcoming the NSCN(I-M) leaders said: ‘‘Your recent offer of friendship to other Nagas is a glaring example of your dynamic leadership.’’
