Dimapur, March 20 (MExN): Stating that the “K and NNC peoples” are not the enemy but Delhi and Rangoon, the NSCN-IM today reiterated its call for reconciliation and unity “yet there is no basis for reconciliation and unity so long as active support of Indian Military and intelligence agencies is solicited.”
In his “27th Republic Day” message, chairman of the NSCN-IM Isak Chishi Swu pointed out that the real battle is with Delhi and Rangoon: “On the question of reconciliation, I see it as a temporary phenomenon. Our real problem lies beyond K and NNC peoples. We know they are not our enemies. Our battle, both political and military, is not in Nagalim. It is covertly orchestrated in Delhi and Rangoon and transported to our towns and villages.”
He stated that the NSCN-IM is “simply” asking “our Naga brothers” to severe all ties with the Indian forces and intelligence agencies and made clear that as long as the agencies’ services are being used there can be no reconciliation as such. “NSCN truly supports the move for reconciliation and unity within the Naga family yet there is no basis for reconciliation and unity so long as active support of Indian Military and intelligence agencies is solicited. This is the reality Nagas cannot turn a blind eye to.” He stated that ignoring this fact would tantamount to going against the very principles that Nagas stand for. “This is the crux or the problem. We reaffirm again that NSCN is for peace and reconciliation but unfortunately our good gesture is being exploited, nevertheless, even as we encounter these practical challenges, we shall listen to the rational voice of our people” he assured.
Asserting that the NSCN-IM firmly stands for the integration and unification of Naga areas, Swu made clear that artificial boundaries created to suppress the right of the people must be removed. “This is not our creation, the GOI masterminded the division of the Nagas into many Indian states and therefore it is the responsibility of the GOI to address this issue boldly. For us there is no bigger or smaller Nagalim. The land which our forefathers inherited is unmistakable. The great desire of the Nagas to live in peace and harmony with its neighbors is our wish and that is our commitment” he asserted.
Acknowledging God for sustaining the Naga nation through the many challenging decades and enabling them to wither the worst of political storms, Swu reminded that the greatness of any nation is determined not just by the glorious pages of its history but it is the ability of a people to cope with the challenges at a given time and situation.
On the ongoing peace process with the Government of India Swu admitted that it has had its share of uncertainties “but we are proud to acknowledge the fact that NSCN has been more than a match for our mighty neighbor.” “We hold crucial advantage over the GOI because our negotiation is based on the principle of two entities, recognition of unique history and situation of the Nagas. We pursue the workable solution that will fulfill the aspiration of the Nagas while also respecting the interest of India” he stated.
On the term “factionalism”, the NSCN-IM chairman stated it is used by the Indian media “to mislead the people and to undermine the Naga issue.” “I wish to point out that NSCN is not a faction. It is the organization having political talks with the GOI at the Prime ministerial level. It is representing the Nagas in the International arena and recognized by the international community. True revolutionaries must be differentiated from enemy agents in the guise of revolutionaries. Clear distinction must be made between those who fight for the righteous cause of the Nagas and those claims to fight for Nagas but dwell in Indian Army camps. Nagas have given their mandate to the NSCN and this is our strength” Swu opined.
Appreciating the contribution of Naga civil societies for their constructive role in the cause Swu termed them “good partners of the people”. “I acknowledge the role played by church in being the spiritual guide to the Naga political aspiration. I appeal to my Naga brothers and sisters to retrospect on our past and take firm decision on the present and reason together to decide the future of Nagalim for it is the most precious gift of God to the Nagas on earth. Let God be proud of the decision of the Nagas. We are for Him” he concluded his message.
