New Delhi: The Naga rebel outfit (NSCN-IM) on Friday condoled the demise of former Prime Minister (late) Manmohan Singh saying that he always stood out for the Naga political solution. “We express our deepest condolences to his (late Manmohan Singh) family members and his close friends. Indo-Naga history will keep on record his assuring words and commitment. In his demise Nagas have lost a great leader, who always stood out for the Naga political solution that is honourable and acceptable to India and Nagalim,” the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-Issac Muivah) said in a statement.
The outfit said that Singh was the Prime Minister who stood out in his approach to the Naga political issue. According to the statement, the outfit still remembers his words when the Naga delegation headed by the Collective Leadership, NSCN, met him in New Delhi on December 7, 2004, as he said, “We are equally keen to work out mutually acceptable honourable solutions. We will be sincere in tackling the problem. We will give our utmost effort to hammer out an honourable solution. We will jointly explore every possible way to bring a solution.”
During his one-to-one talk with Th Muivah, the Chief Negotiator, at his official residence, in New Delhi, on June 24, 2005, Singh said, “We are serious, sincere and have the confidence that we could solve the problem through peaceful means, you have to be patient with us. We have started taking every positive step. We do not underrate your issue. This is our assurance”.
It was during his tenure as Prime Minister that he deputed three ministers to talk with the NSCN talk team. “He gave the assurance to the Naga delegates on February 9, 2005, that “The pattern of relationship should be worked out”.
The NSCN-IM admitted Singh’s sincerity in his effort to solve the Naga political issue. “The memories and experiences with such personality will provide a lasting legacy for the Nagas,” the outfit said.
