The following is the text of the Joint Communiqué issued by Union government Special Representative-cum-chief interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah and National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) general secretary Th. Muivah following the latest round of peace talks in Amsterdam from July 9 – 11, 2002.
The significance of this Communiqué lies in the Union government’s recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas and the NSCN-IM leadership expressing its willingness to hold peace talks within India.
The representatives of the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland met at Amsterdam on July 9-11, 2002 and discussed the Government of India’s response to items in the proposal given by the NSCN on September 21, 2001.
The Government of India recognises the unique history and situation of the Nagas. It is agreed that talks should proceed in an accommodative and forward-looking manner so that a lasting and honourable solution can be arrived at.
The Government of India renewed the invitation of the Prime Minister to the Chairman and General Secretary of the NSCN to come to India at the earliest to carry forward and expedite the peace dialogue. The NSCN leadership expresses willingness to come to India after the procedural aspects are taken care of. It has been mutually decided to extend the ceasefire for another year with effect from August 1, 2002.
(Th.Muivah)
General-Secretary,
NSCN.
(K.Padmanabhaiah)
Representative of the Government of India