‘Nagaland State is already an abrogated agreement’

Dimapur, August 31 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has stated that Framework Agreement is a “prolonged, dedicated and prayerful outcome” between two parties that have “submitted themselves” to settling the “final question” of the Naga people, not just the “current Nagaland State.”  

“Nagaland State is never the best thing to have happened for the Naga people,” stated a press statement from NSCN (IM) Vice Chairman Gen. Retd. Kholi, and Collective Leadership Members AK Lungalang, Tongmeth Wangnao and Q Tuccu.  

They reminded that the State came about in a “defining moment and a treacherous situation” which the Nagas were facing then. When Government of India (GoI) leaders say they now “well understand” the “Naga’s situations,” the leaders stated that this does not mean the “present Nagaland State and its ridiculous situation.”  

Also, when successive Indian Prime Ministers say the case of the Naga people is “unique,” the term “Law and Order has been completely ruled out now,” stated the leaders.

“The realization that seeking military settlement has proved its own futility explicitly asserts that the case between the Naga people and GoI need be settled politically. Section of our own people, groups and individuals who have stated different narratives about the current political situations try to further confuse” the people, they asserted.  

Reminding that Nagaland State is an “abrogated agreement,” the NSCN (IM) leaders noted that the 16th State of India was an arrangement that was “severely condemned” by the NNC, and particularly by AZ Phizo. No matter the “benevolent provisions” under Article 371-A, the NSCN (IM) observed that “vital clauses” from it have been “knocked out.”  

Further, many efforts have been made by the GoI and Naga leaders in collaboration with internationally renowned legal experts, constitutional experts, on legal matters and conflict resolution, people committed to peace around the world, have worked this far to allow permanent settlement between the GoI and the Naga people wherever they are today, they reminded.  

Nagas who were “forced to live under politically tormenting situations inside different political structures of India and Myanmar are not as happy and comfortable as those” who have reaped the benefits from the “quick fix” 16th State of India.  

“These groups who have incessantly asserted on safeguarding the sanctity of Nagaland state had also at the same time ridiculed the framework agreement as being devoid of Naga sovereignty and Naga integration,” observed the leaders, wondering if the “so called NPGs” want “Naga integration” or the protection of the 16th State of India.  

Nonetheless, they appreciated the efforts put forth by the Nagaland State Government, Naga civil societies, Church groups, senior citizens and everyone else who is “deeply dedicated to bringing about an inclusive settlement and to whom the framework agreement put in place is accredited to.”

The NSCN (IM) reminded that there are many Nagas who are not “partakers of the benefits” of this Indian State “that was celebrated in 1960” in order to announce to the world that the Naga problem had been finally settled. While the GoI never accomplished its job of “settling” the “final question” of the Naga people, the leaders asked if the Naga people can “pretend to forget those harsh battles fought, involving bloody and loathsome situations leading to serious and highly unusual human rights questions outside the present state even after announcement of a State called Nagaland?”   “These groups who demand inclusiveness, integration or Naga sovereignty, and at the same time outrageously uphold the integrity of present Nagaland, befool themselves other than confusing the Naga people at large. The case between India and the Naga people need be negotiated to settle the conflict permanently,” the leaders maintained.  

The Naga people, the NSCN (IM) leaders said, have reason to be content with the GoI recognizing the “legitimate and sovereign” rights of the Nagas as a “free people” by stating that “Naga integration is a legitimate right of the Naga people.”

  “Nagas were never divided on the line of Nagaland state and outside Nagaland state. There is no first class Naga and second class Naga; all Nagas are equal,” they asserted.