New Delhi, June 29: "Naga people must win" is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief for the Naga talks, interlocutor for the process R.N. Ravi disclosed here today as he joined NSCN (Isak-Muivah) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah in impressing upon the community the importance of staying the course after the death of chairman Isak Chishi Swu yesterday.

"We cannot fail him," Ravi told the Naga community which had turned up in strength to both mourn the death and celebrate the life of Swu this evening at Nagaland House where his body was brought draped in the unofficial flag of Nagaland used by the NSCN (I-M).

Describing Swu as a "holy man" and echoing Muivah in calling him a "Mahatma", Ravi recalled what Modi had told him two years ago on his appointment as the interlocutor for the Naga talks. "The Prime Minister told us that this is not a zero sum game. Naga people must win. If they win, we all win." Further, Ravi, who is also the Joint Intelligence Commission chief, said, "When we began our conversation, we found we were not negotiating but having a friendly conversation to resolve a situation. Things began to fall in place." Swu, he said, was not only a visionary but also a strategic thinker.

About the process, Ravi said it was a landmark achievement when they came to a broad understanding on the fundamental principles of the relationship. "So, we thought why not put it down in black and white. But by the time we were about to complete the draft, he fell ill and Muivah was very disappointed."

The framework agreement was signed in early August last year, a few days after Swu was admitted to a private hospital in Delhi with several medical complications.

Conceding that Swu's death is an irreparable loss, Ravi said, "It is our obligation to accomplish his mission and realise his dream. We need to complete his journey of peace in a way that will bring enduring peace for his people. We cannot fail him." Earlier, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval offered floral tributes to Swu and left immediately.

Addressing the gathering, Muivah underscored his close relationship with Swu. "We all know him but I claim I know the best of him. We have been together for the last 52 years, facing trials of all kind, fighting for the righteous cause of the Naga people."

"People, including from the international community, used to be surprised that two leaders could work together for such a long time," he said.

Nagaland's lone Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio of the Naga Peoples' Front, described Swu's death as a big blow to the peace talks which have reached a "critical juncture". "Peace is not the absence of violence but the existence of justice. We want a just settlement," he said.