DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) has criticized the NSCN (IM) for allegedly dampening the festive spirit with what it termed as "a blatant statement" published in local media. The WC, NNPGs accused the NSCN (IM) of perpetuating a divisive narrative by portraying themselves as "the righteous children of the Almighty God" while labeling others as "treacherous devils."
In their press statement, the WC, NNPGs described this rhetoric as desperate and misleading. "It appears that the design to confuse, threaten, brainwash and continue their profiteering activities in Nagaland, hiding behind emotional elements of Naga history, is crumbling slowly unable to stand against the factual evidences," the statement added.
Highlighting their own position, the WC, NNPGs emphasized the progress made in political negotiations with the Government of India (GoI). The group referred to the historic agreement of November 17, 2017, where the GoI recognized "the Historical and Political rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity." By October 31, 2019, they stated, "all critical political matters had been resolved" except for a few issues requiring democratic resolution through future political exercises.
Contrasting this progress with the Framework Agreement (FA) of August 3, 2015, the WC, NNPGs criticized the FA as "a substandard jumbled draft, with historically incorrect timeline on Naga political struggle, repetitive and ambiguous words." They claimed the agreement failed to provide a sustainable political framework, stating, "Words and lines inserted appear to be doing somersaults, gymnastics and vanishing acts on their own."
The WC, NNPGs also accused the NSCN (IM) leadership of prioritizing personal agendas over collective Naga aspirations. Revisiting the FA ceremony, the WC, NNPGs questioned its inclusivity, pointing out that no apex Naga tribal leaders, civil society organizations, or international observers were invited. They further criticized the lack of clarity on contentious issues such as the Naga flag and constitution, stating that the Prime Minister's speech on the occasion "lucidly laid out the script for the evening" but did not mention these elements. "What Indian Prime Minister said on live TV then and what IM have been trying to interpret the same ceremony is astonishing," they remarked.
The WC, NNPGs reiterated their commitment to an inclusive political solution, emphasizing the involvement of apex tribal bodies, village leaders, intellectuals, and church representatives in their negotiations with the GoI. "God always had a way when there seems to be no way out," the group stated, underscoring their belief in divine guidance throughout the political process.
It meanwhile urged all parties to prioritize collective aspirations over personal interests as they work toward an honorable and enduring solution.
