DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today stated that given the “seriousness” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in solving the Indo-Naga political conflict, “the Nagas await the historic day when the final agreement will be signed.”
A press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) stated when the Prime Minister asked Interlocutor and Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi to “finish the talks with the Naga negotiators within three months, it became all the more interesting.”
“This is the third time when the Modi led BJP government has come out with such an assuring tone. Accordingly, we have seen Ravi who is now holding the dual post of Nagaland Governor and Interlocutor speaking with much stronger passion to solve the Naga political problem that has hung on for too long,” it added.
Looking back at the Indo-Naga political talks spanning over twenty two years, the NSCN (IM) said that the Government of India has “done a great job to assure the Nagas that they deserve solution that is nothing less than honourable and acceptable.”
“Giving official recognition to the unique history and situation of the Nagas is taken as the correct step towards this direction. This momentum finally led to the signing of the historic August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement,” it pointed out.
It further stated that the Framework Agreement which was initiated and signed by late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu “has taken the Indo-Naga political talks to a critical stage.” NSCN Chief Negotiator Th Muivah, it recalled, “finally signed this indelible document during the official ceremony as it provides everything to give the Nagas an honourable settlement.” “RN Ravi as India’s interlocutor signed the document on behalf of the Government of India. It was signed with much fanfare witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself and other high dignitaries who matter, and live telecasted across the world,” it reminded.
Acknowledging that three years is a long period, it noted that the Framework Agreement is yet to have its fruition “as the Government of India is going slow in taking its stand on core issues.” This changing situation and other developments, it added, compelled the NSCN (IM) Chairman, Q Tuccu and General Secretary, Th Muivah to write a letter to the Prime Minister about the “doubt and confusion raised by Naga people if an honourable political solution can be arrived at.”
“This is in reference to the core issues like Naga flag and constitution which are yet to be agreed upon between the two parties. Without these two core issues solved, any solution would be far from honourable because Naga’s pride and identity is deeply entrenched here,” the NSCN (IM) asserted.
Condemns ‘intensified’ AR operations
It meanwhile said that the new governor “could have made his presence after being appointed as Nagaland Governor by working in tandem with the Indian Army (Assam Rifles/AR) and rein on them to exercise restraint from what they are doing now.”
The NSCN (IM) said that “the pictures are almost back to pre-ceasefire period with the ubiquitous AR showing up in aggressive postures.” It claimed that for four months now, “AR personnel have stationed themselves at Doyapur near the designated Hebron Camp and moving around in the nearby villages, frisking commuters and raiding houses with cameras in hand.” It further alleged that “villagers were harassed with uncomfortable questions giving them much mental unrest,” adding that “as days passed, AR have become more unruly and going towards the direction to sow seeds of another conflict with the Nagas.”
The NSCN (IM) further stated that AR personnel “are seen in many areas of Dimapur frisking passerby and entering residential areas taking photographs.” Such intensified operation by AR “makes the whole scenario unbecoming of Ravi’s search for the earliest solution as advised by Prime Minister Modi,” it pointed out.
“Conducive atmosphere without the belligerent AR is the desire of the people in general and NSCN in particular in this critical period,” it stated. Condemning the AR for “unwarranted frisking operations across Dimapur,” the NSCN (IM) appealed that “this eye sore has to be done away with.”
