Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): In an obvious reference to recent reports emanating from the political leadership in India about resolving the Naga issue within the framework of the Constitution of India, the NSCN (IM) which has been having political parleys with the Government of India, today issued a one page communiqué pointing out that since Delhi has recognized the “unique history and situation of the Nagas”, any solution has to be political and unique.
“By unique history it means – Nagas are not a party to the union of India. By unique situation, it means, situation in Nagalim is political, not that of law and order”, explained the communiqué. It also argued that “since the problem is unique, solution has to be unique” and that a “political problem calls for political solution”.
The NSCN (IM) reminded all, including the Naga public “that it was mutually agreed between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim that the political talks would be held on the basis of the following three terms: talks without any conditions; talks at the Prime Ministerial level and talks in third countries.”
“Being it the case, we view any attempt of seeking solution within the parameter of Indian constitution is a deliberate betrayal to the agreement,” stated the communiqué issued by the ‘MIP.’ It added that as “mutually agreed upon, NSCN leadership has been talking with the Prime Minister of India or his Emissary on the historic political issue since 1997”. “We believe honorable Home Minister Mr. Chidambaram understands it”, it stated. The communiqué also disclosed that the “leadership of NSCN has proposed the best possible solution acceptable to both the parties, which NSCN calls ‘the bottom line’. Nagas will never accept imposition of Indian will upon them,’ it stated. The ball is now in their court, the outfit said and cautioned that if the ceasefire breaks it will only be on account of their (government of India’s) lack of political will and insincerity.
Further it stated that the “Cease-fire agreement between Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim as two entities was self-explanatory and that the cease-fire area coverage without territorial limit is universal practice which has no room for argument”. The NSCN (IM) also quoted former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee stating in Osaka that “Wherever there is fighting there is cease-fire. It covers everywhere.” Therefore, according to the NSCN (IM) the logic of ‘ceasefire being confined to Nagaland state alone’ is nothing but “immature statesmanship or double standard”.
Stating it to be the “truth”, the communiqué also pointed out that Nagas in general and NSCN (IM) in particular do not harbor ill-will towards India and Myanmar. “We do not view them as enemies. But the fact is that we have a problem between us to settle with them”, it stated. According to the NSCN (IM) “India and Nagalim are interrelated” and that “one is indispensable to the other”. As such it argues that “interdependent relationship must be established on the foundation of two entities, without which, it is a house of cards”.
