Dimapur, December 28 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today questioned the Government of India’s sincerity to solve the Naga political issue, and criticized the central government’s dealing of the situation in Manipur.
The NSCN (IM), in a press note from the MIP, stated that the Nagas “had come all the way thus far to resolve the longest political conflict in the whole South East Asia and for which positive steps have been taken wisely.” It added that the seriousness of the political talks led to the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015 and pointed out “there is an immense progress in the political talks.”
While expressing commitment for a peaceful solution, the NSCN (IM) however lamented that the “GoI seems to have lost its statesmanship in dealing with the issue at hand.”
The existing problem in Manipur, the NSCN (IM) stated, has been created by the Manipur Chief Minister “out of his sheer desperation.” “At his behest the GoI is sending additional central forces against the Nagas all the more. This clearly shows the nexus between CM Ibobi and the GoI. Where is the sincerity of the GoI to solve the Indo-Naga problem?” it questioned.
Nagas, it affirmed “will never accept any imposition upon them whether today or tomorrow.” It termed the creation of new districts out of Naga territory in Manipur without their consent as a “deliberate act to suppress the right of the Nagas.”
It added that the Manipur Governor “apparently had the blessing of the Central Government of India when she gave her assent to the new districts creation.”
“Is this not a treacherous attempt to undermine the peace talks on the part of GoI? Will the Indo-Naga problem be solved through Ibobi Singh?” it asked. The NSCN (IM) stated that the fate of the Nagas “will never be placed in the hands of anyone.”
Stating that it has not betrayed the GoI in the long years of political negotiation, it asked the GoI to seek a realistic approach to the Indo-Naga issue. “The Indian leadership must realize the futility of using armed forces against the Nagas lest the hard earned peace process would be rendered meaningless. The CM Ibobi Singh’s refusal to have a tripartite talk is bound to invite an endless confrontation. Is not the current volatile situation created by Ibobi a deliberate attempt to sabotage the progress of the peace talks?,” the NSCN (IM) added.
It further expressed surprise at the GoI’s support to the Manipur Chief Minister at this crucial stage and stated that this has created a “huge trust deficit in the central leadership of India.”
“The Nagas will defend their ancestral land at any cost. Therefore, the Nagas can no longer be blamed for the worst to happen,” the NSCN (IM) meanwhile cautioned. When the Nagas have come to the negotiating table for an honorable and acceptable political solution, do not chase them away again, it advised.
The NSCN (IM) termed it appalling that the GoI has “deliberately chosen to support the concerted efforts” which led to the humiliation and destruction of the properties of Nagas in Imphal valley and those who are “desperately trying to derail the Indo-Naga peace process.”
