Bangkok: Unification of the Naga territories is standing in the way of a final solution to the peace process, National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issac/Muivah (NSCN-IM) chief Thuingaleng Muivah said, emphasising "the Nagas will never lay down arms, freedom or territories".

"At the moment, the crux of the issue is unification. If the government can understand our issue, we don't need to hurt them. If they refuse to understand us, the question of referendum will come," Muivah said in an interview.

"Eighty per cent of the Nagas support the peace process today," he claimed.

Muivah and K Padmanabhaiah, special envoy of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, ended two days of talks on the ongoing peace process.

"Keeping the Naga territories divided and talking of a solution is an insult to us," the bespectacled general secretary said. "Unification of territories is standing in the way of a final solution," he remarked.

"We told the Indian government whatever might be the efforts to bring about a solution to the Indo-Naga issue, if the unification of Nagas is not done, there will be no solution whatsoever."

Sipping a cup of Earl Grey tea at a Starbucks coffee shop, Muivah, who has been at the helm of the peace talks declared the Nagas will never lay down three things – arms, freedom and territories. "Let there be no illusion whatsoever, we have made it clear. So long as Indian armed forces are there in Nagaland, we need to have arms."

"As far as the final solution is concerned, it will certainly take time, but with the Indian side now on the right track, it is both positive and praiseworthy. There is better understanding between us," Muivah said.

He also praised the Vajpayee government and said, "The leadership in India is more serious and more committed to finding a solution to the problem and it shows that they are keeping themselves on the right track."

Stating that New Delhi was "more serious now", Muivah said, "We see they are back on the right track. We don't doubt premier Vajpayee's or his colleagues' commitment to the peace process. If this attitude continues, it will surely lead to solutions. We praise them."

He said other issues like the identity of Naga nation, etc could be taken up later.

"If Padmanabhaiah and his colleagues could do the necessary spadework let them do it. The government may have its own difficulties…we will be available if we can do anything for them," he said.

Muivah asserted that the Shillong Accord could not be made a matter for negotiations anymore.

He said Nagas were the "happiest" when Mahatma Gandhi had assured them of an independent country. "Gandhi was so farsighted and noble." At that time Nagas did not take up arms till "Nehru sent 200,000 troops to take over Nagaland", Muivah added.

PTI