The National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) faction in a press release said it is deeply saddened to learn the demise of the senior Congress leader, sitting Rajya Sabha member and former union minister Oscar Fernandes.
NSCN-IM recalling his role in 2005, during the UPA government, said that Oscar Farnandes was appointed by the then prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh as a leader of a group of ministers to talk with the NSCN leadership under former chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah.
The release of Tuesday stated “We fondly remember him coming to Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Bangkok (Thailand) in 2006 to discuss the Naga issue. We appreciate his sincerity to solve the Naga issue.”
It then stated “We respect him for what he was. He was not an ordinary politician but a seasoned one. We regard him as the most liberal politician in India.”
Expressing deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and to his many friends, the release concluded stating that, “In his death, the Nagas has lost a very important personality and friend who understand the Naga political issue. May God grant the soul of Oscar Fernandes a peaceful rest!”