DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 12 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today condemned what it termed as the “incessant assault to the political and historical rights of the Nagas by the Government of Manipur (GoM) backed by the Central Government.”
A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) alleged that the Central Government and the Government of Manipur are “deliberately joining hands to divide and suppress the Naga people.” “This treacherous policy will lead to endless confrontation and will surely jeopardize the ongoing peace process. It is really a high time for the Indian government to realize the better to make the history of both the parties glorious,” it advised.
Nagas, the NSCN (IM) reminded have come to the negotiating table with honest intention to sincerely resolve the decades old conflict with full commitment and subsequently, the Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 between the GoI and the NSCN (IM). “Both the parties have been seriously negotiating and significant progress has been made,” it added, while questioning whether the commitment given by the Nagas till today is not enough for the GoI? The declaration of disturbed Areas in the hill areas of Manipur and the sending the Central Forces has taken the Nagas totally by surprise, it added. “Is this a sign of sincerity or of seeking peaceful political solution?” the NSCN (IM) questioned.
The NSCN (IM) stated that the creation of the seven new districts out of Naga areas or slicing Naga areas to other districts in Manipur is “not only disrespecting the authority of Indian state that is in talks with the NSCN/GPRN but it shall be construed as a communal threat to the Naga people.”
It further accused the Manipur Chief Minister of “trying to communalise vote banks of the Nagas on the one side, and Meiteis & Kukis on the other side. It is a deliberate conspiracy to gain political mileage because of the impending 2017 election in Manipur.”
The NSCN (IM) termed the protest of the Naga people under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) against the creation of the new districts as their “legitimate historical and political rights.”
It cautioned that the “sinister attempt” to divide the Nagas in Manipur by dislocating and weakening them in different districts “shall not be accepted by the Naga people.” “The Nagas have been defending their lands, populations and politics through blood and tears over the centuries, and it shall remain as the tallest call to the very last soul of the Nagas to do so,” the NSCN (IM) stated.
It further termed the arrest of UNC leaders Gaidon Kamei and SK Stephen by Manipur state police as “not only a cowardly act but a lack of statesmanship in handling political issue.”
The NSCN (IM) asked the centre to initiate sincere and positive steps for the unconditional release of the UNC leaders, withdraw all central forces and initiate political dialogue with the UNC and the Naga people, if it sincere to bring about lasting political solution.
“Nagas will not accept any form of imposition or division of our land in the name of administrative convenience or development or any other hidden agenda either today or tomorrow. This kind of policy by the GoI is too treacherous. Nagas will not accept nor will they bow down come what may,” the NSCN (IM) stated.
It further said it would be prudent for the Indian leadership to set the course along the way that would inevitably lead to the right destiny.
