Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Camp Hebron (Off Dimapur), March 21:
GPRN/NSCN (I-M) has urged the Nagas to be aware, at this juncture, of robust utterances from "confused elements bent on sowing the seeds of discord, hatred and confusion among the Nagas".
Addressing people at the 27th "Republic Day" celebration of the NSCN (I-M) at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today, NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu said "we are clear that no nation on earth can take away the rights of the Nagas and certainly not the organizations claiming to represent the Nagas because the Government of India has clearly weighed, measured and absorbed those elements into their system".
Swu assured the Nagas that NSCN (I-M), being the "National Political Council of the Nagas", would leave no stone unturned to cleanse itself from within.
"Corruption and individualistic approach shall be dealt with firmly and replaced with common approach inducing transparency and conforming to national principle.
All forms of injustice within the ranks and file of both the civil and military wings shall be thoroughly unearthed and do away with.
Errant individuals tarnishing the good image of the council shall be monitored and punished accordingly.
Discipline, revolutionary ideas, physical, moral and spiritual integrity would be instilled to the members on a war footing" the NSCN (I-M) leader said.
"Ours is a people's movement and our strength comes from the people.
It is issue-based and principle-based.
All through our struggle, we have relied on our people for sustenance and survival because the Naga people is our bank both political and in the economic aspect.
Of late we are exploring the possibility of reducing the burden of taxation on our people but at the same time it is also to be remembered that this phenomena is of political nature and a universal one.
We are ready to listen to the grievances of our people," he said.
On reconciliation, Swu said he saw it as a temporary phenomenon since the real problem of the Nagas lay beyond NSCN (K) and NNC.
"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.
We simply ask our Naga brothers to sever all ties with Indian forces and intelligence agencies.
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.
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," the NSCN (I-M) leader added.
The Republic Day celebration was also attended by NSCN (I-M) General Secretary Th.Muivah along with a host of fellow cadres and representatives from several NGOs.