DIMAPUR, JUNE 14 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) issued a press statement censuring what it termed as the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) “libelous campaign against” the former. The statement issued by the organisation’s Ministry of Information & Publicity on June 14 further accused the NIA of stigmatising and labeling the NSCN (IM) as a "terrorist organization."
Despite, it said that the organization remains unflappable keeping in view the “Indo-Naga political talks that is moving towards logical conclusion.”
It cited the events, starting with the Ceasefire in August 1997 that resulted in the Framework Agreement (FA) of 2015, to justify its disapproval.
Among other agreements, it cited the Milan Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) in November 2002, which it termed “was in addition to a conscious decision of the GoI to discontinue the ban on NSCN under the India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.”
The FA of 2015, it said, further “reaffirmed that the Indo-Naga issue is political and upheld the recognized ‘Unique history and situation’ of the Nagas.”
While stating that an acceptable political solution can happen only through respect for a people’s history and their national identity, it added, “The mutually agreed competencies and the recognition of the core issue of Naga National Flag and Constitution are based on the FA, therefore, it does not undermine the security or integrity of India.”
According to the statement, the Indo-Naga political dialogue had taken deep root by the time the NIA came into being and as per the agreements between the two negotiating entities, the NSCN (IM) cannot be branded a terrorist organization.
“For its historical and political legitimacy the GoI boldly entered into political negotiations with NSCN. For the same reason NSCN was admitted into the fold of Unrepresented Nations and People’s Organization.” Besides, it maintained that the NSCN (IM) is signatory to the “Geneva Call” through which it committed to “non-use of uncontrolled anti-personnel mines.”
While stating that the “slanderous campaign” against NSCN (IM) should be stopped, it added that it would be a breach of trust and commitment on the part of the GoI to allow the undoing of the hard earned achievement of Indo-Naga political talks spanning over 23 years.
Further, it said, “When Government of India and NSCN signed ceasefire, there was also agreement on ‘Agreed Ground Rules’ for the ceasefire. The principle understanding was that all present NIA cases are placed under the purview of Agreed Ground Rules which should be resolved within its mechanism which is officially set up headed by Special Secretary, Internal Security (MHA), GoI as the Chairman for Ceasefire Review Meeting and Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG).”
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