Joint Communique issued by T.Muivah, general secretary of the NSCN (I-M) and K.Padmanabhaiah, Representative of the Government of India

At the end of the peace talks between India’s Union government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland––Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), between January 21 and 23, 2003, in New Delhi, the two sides issued a joint communiqué, that was made available by the Union Home Ministry in a press release. Union government chief interlocutor in the Naga peace talks K Padmanabhaiah and NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah signed the communiqué,

The talks were held for the first time on Indian soil. Presented below is the text of the communiqué.

23rd January, 2003
Ministry of Home Affairs

Shri K. Padmanabhaiah, Representative of Government of India and Th. Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN have issued the following Joint Communiqué, here today:

"The representatives of the Government of India and the NSCN are pleased with the progress that has been made in the course of the visit of the NSCN leaders to New Delhi, during which they met the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Finance Minister, and in the formal talks held on 21-23 January.

A wide range of substantive issues put up by the NSCN in their proposal were discussed. The NSCN raised the issues relating to the distinct identity of the Nagas and their stand on the unification of Naga areas. In this regard the Government of India representative clarified that there has been no change in its stand on the scope of negotiations.

There was agreement to continue the formal talks until a lasting settlement is reached. Meanwhile both sides reaffirmed the need for a peaceful, violence-free environment."

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India, New Delhi