New Delhi: Brushing aside criticism from parties in Manipur and Assam, the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim) on January 14 expressed confidence that New Delhi was "sincere" in finding a political solution to the decades-old problem and the Nagas cannot afford to miss this "one chance".

"Nagas cannot afford to waste this one chance of finding a political solution through the current Indo-Naga political talks," a statement issued by NSCN (I-M) publicity cell said.

Describing the opposition to the peace talks as "normal phenomenon", the statement said, "All the Naga people are fully in support of the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks.

"NSCN is confident that India is sincere in finding a political solution to end the long-drawn Naga conflict. Do not be disheartened by the voice of those few misguided individuals."

The statement comes in the backdrop of meetings NSCN (I-M) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah had with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, his Deputy L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes and Finance Minister Jaswant Singh who as the erstwhile External Affairs Minister was involved in the peace talks held abroad.

Swu and Muivah had on January 13 met Rama Pilot, wife of late Congress leader Rajesh Pilot who had been very close to them as Minister of State for Home during Congress rule and later as a personal emissary of then Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga is likely to arrive in Delhi on January 15 to meet the two NSCN (I-M) leaders. Zoramthanga, himself a former underground leader, had held parallel discussions with them thrice earlier in Bangkok.

PTI