MHA directed AR to ‘intensify operations,’ claims NSCN (IM)

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 24 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has claimed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued directive to the Assam Rifles (AR) to “intensify operations against NSCN.” 

Terming this as a “rude shock,” a press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) stated that “when it comes to jurisdiction of ceasefire, Government of India continues to speak in ambivalent terms even after more than 23 years of political talks.” “Naturally, this has become the boiling point of conflict that Government of India is simply making an escapade,” it claimed. 

Stating that the Naga political issue cannot be undermined in such a manner “that contradict the well-established historical and political rights of the Naga people spread across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar,” the NSCN (IM) said that the “political right of the Naga people is no longer an issue that necessitated any review.” The signing of the Framework Agreement “is a living document to take the GoI and NSCN through for the final solution,” it stated. 

The NSCN (IM) stated that political will on the part of the Indian Government is required to “push the Indo-Naga political solution for the final deal.” “The Nagas have come this far in search of peaceful solution. But GoI still continue to waver. This is a sign of weakness and insincerity,” it observed.

The Framework Agreement, it stated “is a symbol of our olive branch to India, our desire to co-exist peacefully as good neighbors.” However, the NSCN (IM) lamented that “this has not been reciprocated with the correct political steps.” The Naga people’s sincere approach and search for permanent peace has been touted time and again to “suit India’s colonial divide and rule policy,” it added.

The NSCN (IM) said that the Naga people believe in solution based on mutual respect of each other’s position and not in “forced union bereft of any political wisdom.” Nor do we believe in carrot and stick policy that will only complicate what has been achieved all these years of negotiation, it added.

The NSCN (IM) asked the Government of India to handle the situation with sensitivity and not prod the security forces and agencies to run amok against the NSCN. “In such a situation NSCN members cannot allow themselves to be sitting ducks. Our patience should not be translated as weak and helpless. The consequences, therefore, will be disastrous for both the parties,” it stated.