Reacting to the Home Affairs Ministry (MHA) issuing a directive to the Assam Rifles (AR) to intensify operations against NSCN (I-M), the Naga outfit has said that the consequences of such operations will be disastrous for both the parties.
“This is never in the interest of ceasefire across Naga areas. 1997 Indo-Naga ceasefire for political negotiation was signed with high hope and excitement on the part of the Government of India (Gol) and NSCN (I-M). Ironically, when it comes to jurisdiction of ceasefire, Gol continues to speak in ambivalent terms even after more than 23 years of political talks. Naturally, this has become the boiling point of conflict that Gol is simply making an escapade,” the Ministry of Information and Publicity, NSCN (I-M) said in a statement.
It stated that Naga political issue cannot be undermined in such a manner that contradicts the well-established historical and political rights of the Naga people spread across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
The political right of the Naga people are no longer an issue that necessitated any review as the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, is a living document to take the Gol and NSCN (I-M) through for the final solution, it added.
“What really matters in pushing the Naga political solution for the final deal is the political will to be exercised by Gol. The Nagas have come this far in search of a peaceful solution. But Gol still continues to waver. This is a sign of weakness and insincerity,” it stated.
It also contended that GoI has not reciprocated with the correct political steps NSCN (I-M)’s desire for peaceful coexistence as good neighbours through the Framework Agreement.
“The Naga people's sincere approach and search for permanent peace has been touted time and again to suit India's colonial divide and rule policy. This is evidently seen in the ongoing Naga political talks,” it maintained.
While saying that Naga people believe in solution based on mutual respect of each other's position, it said that the Naga people do not believe in force union bereft of any political wisdom or ‘carrot and stick policy’ that will only complicate what has been achieved all these years of negotiation.
“The GoI must handle the situation with great sensitivity and not prod the Indian security forces and other security agencies to run amok against the NSCN (I-M). In such a situation, NSCN (I-M) members cannot allow themselves to be sitting ducks. Our patience should not be translated as weak and helpless,” the statement added.
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