Dimapur, July 28 (MExN): The NSCN-K today issued another statement justifying its stand on the GB/DBs’ ceasefire initiative and the subsequent declaration of ceasefire between all warring Naga underground groups.
According to the NSCN-K MIP, the NSCN-IM had been searching for an entity to broker a peace between the factions. “At last” the GB federation was entrusted to do the same, later to involve the DBs as well. The GB/DBs then brought the five-point resolutions and met the NSCN-K leaders on June 26. The forum was assured acceptance of the resolutions in principle. However, on their visit to Mon to meet the NSCN-K in Mon July 11, a separate draft of paper signed by Samson Jajo was produced. The NSCN-K rejected, the MIP stated. However, “for the sake of peace” a written acceptance of the five-point resolution was issued to the GB/DBs, it added.
“From that point of time, the GPRN/NSCN leaders began doubting the integrity and sincerity of the leaders of GBs and DBs; the GBs and DBs are not NGOs; they are state government agents and servants” the MIP asserted. However “in the interest of peace” the NSCN-K made a commitment to the forum hoping that it would maintain utmost sincerity and integrity in their dealings, the organization explained.
Further the NSCN-K explained that on July 24, it could not attend the meeting convened by the joint forum “because it was only announced through newspapers.” This, the NSCN-K stated, could not be trusted “fully.” It asserted that ‘formal written invitation letters should have been issued.’ It was also queried why the Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA, NPMHR etc were not invited and also that Nagaland state government bureaucrats and ceasefire monitoring chairman were invited. It also queried how the meeting could be convened in the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
In regard to the July 25 Phek shootout, the NSCN-K asserted that it was the NSCN-IM cadres who fired first at the FGN cadres, “who retaliated mildly.” The NSCN-K further asserted that “every Naga” has understood that the NSCN-IM has dropped the demand for sovereignty and rather, the matter of integration has been taken up. This way, the NSCN-IM has forgotten the “Assam Nagas,” “Arunachal Nagas” and the “Eastern Nagas” the MIP stated. “Naga people should not be so weak to be fooled through the useless gimmicks of IK” it added.
Joint forum clarifies
The joint forum of the GBs and DBs has expressed shock and dismay at the NSCN-K doubting the sincerity and integrity of the former. The forum of the Nagaland GBs’ Federation and the Nagaland DBs’ Association has, nonetheless, appealed to the factions to respect and maintain the written commitment to the five-point agreement.
The doubt expressed by the NSCN-K and the allegation that the joint forum’s initiative was a manipulation of the NSCN-IM is a surprise and dismay, a note from the GBs/DBs lamented. Clarification on several points raised was clarified.
The forum stated that the meeting place at Dimapur was decided by the forum basing on the accessibility and communication available and simultaneous with the inauguration of the forum’s central office at Dimapur. Nonetheless, the forum assured that the next joint meeting can be held anywhere in Nagaland as suggested, other than Dimapur.
On the complaint raised over invitation, the forum clarified that no official invitation letter to any underground group was dispatched except through the local media.
The draft on the enforcement of inter-group ceasefire was drafted in the executive meeting July4 and the 5th and no third party was involved in the drafting, the forum stated. It was made neutral “that is how all the three groups had scrutinized the draft prepared by the joint forum and given their consent with separate acceptance respectively, basing on the five-point resolutions of the joint forum of June 6” it clarified.
The forum has appealed to all the underground groups to respect and maintain their commitment. “That our interest is to create a peaceful atmosphere amongst the Nagas; therefore we felt it our (responsibility) to appeal to all groups to stop bloodshed amongst the Naga brethren” the forum explained.
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