Mizo CM calls for united peace efforts, raps critics

‘‘It is very important to note that several underground groups have also realised that the common people in their respective states are also craving for peace. The Centre should take note of this,’’ he added.

He said the demands of various underground outfits don’t always reflect their demands alone. ‘‘They often reflect the aspirations of the common people for development,’’ he said. So, the underground groups should also consult the social groups, he added.

Zoramthanga, who himself was in Laldenga’s underground Mizo National Front, dismissed criticisms by some leaders and chief ministers about his role as negotiator. ‘‘I would go to any extent to spread peace in the North-East. I have been in touch with different militant groups, following a request by PM A.B. Vajpayee, and several of them have responded positively,’’ he said. Reports say he has already made much headway in talks with a few rebel groups from Manipur, Assam and Tripura. The CM refused to confirm or deny the reports.

Recalling his days as an underground leader negotiating with the Centre in the 1970s and 1980s, Zoramthanga said things were much easier now. ‘‘In those days, the senior-most government emissary was an officer of Additional-Secretary level. Today, underground leaders can meet the PM anywhere in the world,’’ he said.

‘‘This is because both sides have been displaying a lot of goodwill, especially in case of the Naga talks,’’ he said.

Giving a few tips to the negotiators, Zoramthanga said: ‘‘The easier issues should be resolved first, so that more time can be devoted on difficult questions.’’ Asked why the Mizo Accord has succeeded while most other peace settlements have failed, he said: ‘‘It is because we in Mizoram have implemented the provisions of the Accord. It is easy to strike an accord, but the most difficult thing is to make it effective’’.

The Mizo Accord completes 17 years this Monday, and while most of its clauses have been implemented, the process of rehabilitation of a number of former rebels is yet to be completed. ‘‘It will take time because the previous government had failed to prepare a complete list of beneficiaries,’’ the CM said.