Thursday, April 28 2005 22:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Ruling out any solution within the framework of the Indian Constitution, major insurgent outfit NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah), which is holding parleys with the Government to resolve the Naga issue, has sought an agreement to have a "federal relationship" with India.

Making it clear that Nagas have the right to decide their future, the outfit, however, said "adjustments" could be possible if the uniqueness of the Naga history was "recognised and honoured".

In an interview to Karan Thapar on BBC's 'Hardtalk India' programme, NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said "when we say a special federal relationship, it has to be on the terms of the agreement that can be arrived at."

"It should be a federation of India and Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). Within the Indian Constitution, it is not possible", he was quoted as saying in a BBC press release.

Maintaining that sovereignty of the Naga people and their history was unique, Muivah said Nagas had the right to decide their future and determine their fate.

"So long as that is there, adjustments can be made ...So long as the national identity of the Nagas is recognised and honoured, that (adjustment) is possible," Muivah said.