DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): NSCN (IM) chairman Q Tuccu has asserted that the NSCN has remained steadfast on its commitment to the Naga political issue even in the face of the rapidly changing times.
“We have shown remarkable resilience and loyalty to Framework Agreement despite all the difficulties, because it is our stand that the implementation of the political and peace agreement that FA stands for remains the only viable and ideal solution to the long delayed Naga political solution,” Tuccu stated in his address on the occasion of the 45th Raising Day celebration.
Looking back into the pages of Indo-Naga history, Tuccu maintained that Nagas have always stood the ground against all odds.
“After the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, we have never wavered but stood by our political principle that defined the Nagas as a nation,” the NSCN (IM) chairman stated.
He also recalled how the Constituent Assembly invited the Nagas to join the Union of India in 1950, but was flatly rejected by the Nagas. “Out of 552 princely states in India after Independence, 549 agreed to join India. Nagas stood still refusing to join the union of India who even sent its representatives to Kohima to persuade the Nagas.”
In 1951, May 16, Naga Plebiscite was conducted to reaffirm the sovereign will of the Nagas. 99.9% of the Nagas voted in favor of sovereign Naga independent state. “We have this proud and unique history,” Tuccu sought to point out.
The NSCN (IM) chairman further asserted that during the course of Indo-Naga political talks the historical narratives that constitutes the uniqueness of Naga history was convincingly presented to the Government of India and finally official recognition was given by government of India on July 11, 2002. It was a milestone in the Indo-Naga political dialogue.
Significantly, this was followed by signing the historic Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 based on unique history and situation, he said.
The NSCN (IM) chairman also noted that NSCN was also never found wanting in the diplomatic front as it went far enough to internationalize the Naga issue.
After getting Nagalim admitted as a bona fide member of UNPO in 1993, January 23, it started making regular foray into the UN forums for Indigenous and human rights. Late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu used to deliver fiery speeches in many a times in Geneva and everyone stood to applaud his unforgettable act of courage, Tuccu recalled.
“Let us remain grateful to our living God for giving us the indomitable spirit to stand by our historical and political rights. We have proved our credibility as the torch bearer of Naga political issue and national principle. We have stood the ground to stand by our flag and yehzabo that symbolize our history and national identity, Tuccu said while adding, “History is behind us to testify our identity and we shall never betray our history.”
