PM's statement may adversely affect peace talk: NSCN (IM)
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, December 06 2011:
The NSCN-IM has cautioned that the recent statement of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (during his visit to Imphal) committing to the "untenable status quo of the so-called territorial integrity of Manipur and other North Eastern states is a serious cause for concern as it may adversely affect the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process" .
In a statement made available to Newmai News Network tonight signed by NSCN-IM kilo-kilonser (home minister) Rh.
Raising and the outfit's Steering Committee co-convenor Q Tuccu, the communique said, "The Joint Council meeting of the Steering Committee executive members and the cabinet took a strong exception to the unfortunate statement of the Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh on 3rd Dec 2011 at Imphal where he committed to the untenable status quo of the so-called territorial integrity of Manipur and other North Eastern states" .
The NSCN-IM said the entire Nagas are shocked and viewed his statement a u-turn to the commitment of seeking the Indo-Naga solution outside the box and walk the extra mile to seek an honorable political solution in the shortest possible time.
"His statement contradicts the 'recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas' by the Government of India.
Historically speaking, Nagas have their distinct culture and territory under the administrative jurisdictions of the respective Chiefs / Kings of the Villages from time immemorial.
Nagas were not a part of the Manipur Durbar (Assembly).
Under the colonial policies of the British India and India, the land of the Nagas were divided into many pieces and placed them in different administrative units in total suppression of the inherent rights of the Nagas.
In protest against such diabolic divide and rule policy, Nagas have been resisting in many forms till date and they will do that till the end", the Naga outfit said.
At the invitation of the Government of India to resolve the 7 (seven) decades old conflict between the Indian and the Nagas, the two entities have been talking across the table for the last 14 (fourteen) years seeking solution through political means, the NSCN-IM stated today, adding, "Nagas are patient and deeply committed to solving the decades old problem through negotiation based on mutual respect and recognition of our inherent historical rights and we will always be faithful to this commitment" .
However, the statement of Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India is a serious cause for concern as it may adversely affect the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, it cautions.