Says delay not on account of NSCN (IM), ball in GoI's court
DIMAPUR, JULY 18 (MExN): The political dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) has clearly hit rough waters over contention on the latter’s stand on securing a separate Naga Flag and Constitution as part of the anticipated Naga solution. But according to the NSCN (IM), it remains committed to the peace process and determined to find an honourable solution based on the Framework Agreement (FA) of August 3, 2015.
Member of the NSCN (IM) Collective leadership, Rh Raising made the statement at a meeting with Tangkhul civil society organisations of Nagaland state on July 18. His speech at the meeting, a copy of which was released to the media, acknowledged that both the parties have invested a lot of effort and time in the peace process that have resulted in the GoI recognizing the “unique history and situation of the Nagas” and subsequently the FA.
He said that the NSCN (IM) Ato Kilonser, Th Muivah had convinced the GoI to propose “coexistence of the two entities sharing sovereign power,” which was agreed by both.
“In subsequent talks on competencies,” he said that both entities acknowledged integration of all Naga areas as “the legitimate right of the Nagas,” which would be finalised through political process at the earliest.
In the meantime, transitional political institutions were to be instituted in the Naga areas of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland states
He said, “Government of India proposed Pan Naga Hoho, a cultural institution which embraces Nagas in all Naga areas. It will be dealing with culture, custom and tradition, literature, social and interests of the Nagas. And it was mutually agreed.”
Raising however lamented what he described as a lack of sincerity on the part of the GoI representatives. “We find lack of sincerity in the representatives of Government of India, who say one thing today and another the other day. We cannot expect an honourable solution from people who believe in political chicanery or forced union. They should keep their words and commitments.”
Holding the GoI responsible for delaying “solution,” he said that the NSCN (IM) objective has been to arrive at “a bilateral agreement that addresses the sovereign right of the Nagas and security of India” with the FA serving as the foundation of a lasting solution and strong relations the two entities have endeavoured for.
“Delayed solution is not on account of NSCN. The ball is in the court of GoI,” he held. According to him, the NSCN (IM) and the Nagas will always abide by the FA, which he added, “Embraces Nagas of all Naga areas.”
He further recalled commitments given by various Indian national leaders beginning with Mahatma Gandhi in 1947; Prime Ministers starting with Indira Gandhi and incumbent Narendra Modi.
He quoted the previous Interlocutor, RN Ravi as stating, “Government of India has recognised the sovereignty of the Nagas” and the present GoI representative, AK Mishra as stating, “Framework agreement is the cornerstone of solution.”
He further recalled international organisations, leaders of nations and governments having acknowledged the legitimacy of the Naga struggle.
The late Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah, he said, attended meetings of the United Nations 5 times “on invitation” implying the world body acknowledging “the right of the Nagas.”
