PM Modi's Statement After National Socialist Council of Nagaland and Government Sign Peace Accord: Highlights

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media after National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) and Government of India sign historic peace accord.

Here are the highlights:

• My warm greetings to all those present here on this historic day.
• I wish Issac Swu a speedy recovery. Just as his contribution to this agreement has been huge, his guidance will remain crucial.
• The Naga political issue had lingered for six decades, taking a huge toll on generations of our people.
• I compliment the NSCN for maintaining the ceasefire agreement for nearly 2 decades with a sense of honour.
• Nagas represent highest level of humanism, system of village administration and grass-root democracy should be a source of inspiration to the rest of the country.
• I have the deepest admiration for the great Naga people for their extraordinary support to the peace efforts.
• My relationship with the North East has been deep. I have travelled to Nagaland on many occasions.
• I have been deeply impressed by the rich and diverse culture and the unique way of life of the Naga people.
• The Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent the highest levels of humanism.
• Unfortunately the Naga problem has taken so long to resolve, because we did not understand each other, it's a legacy of British rule.
• Since becoming Prime Minister, peace, security & economic transformation of North East has been amongst my highest priorities.
• Today's agreement is a shining example of what we can achieve when we deal with each other in a spirit of equality, when we leave the path of dispute and take the high road of discussion.
• Want to specially thank my colleague, Home Minister Rajnath Singh whose support and advice was invaluable.
• Today, to the people of Nagaland, I want to say that your talents, tradition and efforts will make the nation stronger.
• I join the nation in saluting you and conveying our good wishes to the Naga people.