Dimapur, February 5 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has expressed deep anguish and disappointment with the way the Indian government has been dealing with the ‘present downhill trend of situation launched by Azheto group encouraging “gangsterism and criminalism at the expense of the people”’ and in this regard has called for setting up of an independent inquiry team from the various Naga civil bodies and social organizations in order to “verify all doubts of allegations and counter allegations by Azheto group”.
A press note issued by the National Security Council of the NSCN (IM) pointed out that crimes were now rampant and that law and order has broken down completely after President’s Rule has been imposed in Nagaland state. “This has made things clear beyond doubt that Azheto’s group has the direct blessing of the Indian Government”, the NSCN (IM) stated and pointed out that allowing an open illegal camp at Vihokhu village as their nerve centre is a clear example of India’s backing to Azheto’s group. “Who can now deny the fact that Indian government has treacherous double standard! Therefore, such policy of the Indian government is a total negation of the long search for mutually acceptable solution through peaceful means”, the NSCN (IM) stated. The NSCN informed that it had taken a ‘thorough assessment’ of the situation around Dimapur.
The NSCN (IM) observed that “since a crowd of reckless elements led by Azheto Chophy deserted Council Headquarters in the name of Naga unification” there has been “relentless unleashing of terror of abduction for ransom, extortion, intimidation and even taking innocent life whose family fails to pay up the demand”. The NSCN (IM) expressed sadness that such kind of shameful activities are happening under the patronage of the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho in the guise of unification. “Threat and intimidation cannot solve the problem of fear and insecurity, “as darkness cannot do away with darkness; only light can drive away darkness” and that “so also hate cannot drive away hate; only love can drive away hate”. NSCN (IM) affirmed that it still stood by the declaration of the January 13 2007 whereby its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu had proclaimed that NSCN (IM) strives for reconciliation and unification of all Nagas through forgiveness and that no stone shall be left unturned towards this end.
The NSCN (IM) stated that it had been exercising maximum restraint despite utmost provocation and it is not a sign of weakness. “But the patience is wearing thin and when the NSCN takes necessary step to save the situation in the interest of the people, Indian government shall be solely responsible for any fall-out”, it cautioned. The NSCN (IM) stated that it was time for the Indian leadership to be sensible and hold themselves from such course of senseless collision.
