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MNF offers to mediate in peace talks with Naga militants

The Mizo National Front has reposed full faith in the Centre's initiative to hold peace talks with various underground Naga militant factions, and offered to be a mediator during negotiations.

Extending its fullest co-operation to Swaraj Kaushal, who has been appointed by the Union government to hold talks with the Isaak and Muivah factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, MNF president Zoramthanga assured the factions that they could trust Kaushal hundred per cent.

In a letter to Isaak and Muivah, Zoramthanga said, "The MNF has assured Mr Kaushal of total co-operation in this endeavour. If need be, I and my friend Mr Tawnluia, who was our chief of army staff underground, will join in to meet you personally and help in the negotiation."

After consultations with both NSCN factions, the government had unilaterally extended ceasefire to all militant groups in Nagaland from August 1, 1997. The ceasefire, for three months, was later extended thrice. The present term is due to expire on June 30.

The MNF leader sought to explain to the NSCN factions that it was Kaushal who secured the release of their party leader Laldenga, jailed by the government in 1978.

"Kaushal was MNF's constitutional advisor during our peace talks with the Government of India and we have known him for the last 20 years. And on the basis of this lifetime association, Mr Kaushal is our most trusted and reliable friend," Zoramthanga said.

In addition, he continued, Kaushal has great experience in the North-East -- he was Mizoram's governor for three years from 1990.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government had been emphasising that it was committed to solve all issues through peaceful dialogue.

However, another faction, the NSCN-Kilonser, has been violating the ceasefire agreement by carrying out ambushes on security forces.

UNI

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