Truce pact covers all Naga areas: UNC
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, May 24 2020: The United Naga Council (UNC) has reiterated that the jurisdiction of Indo-Naga ceasefire covers "all Naga areas", and is "never confined to certain areas as interpreted by certain groups with vested interests" .

UNC in a statement today said, "It is a matter of mutual understanding between the Government of India and NSCN that the jurisdiction of Indo-Naga ceasefire covers all Naga areas, and is never confined to certain areas as interpreted by certain groups with vested interests.

There is no ambiguity whatsoever in this regard" .

The Indo-Naga cease fire agreement was signed between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) for bringing durable peace not only in Nagalim but in the entire North-East region.

"Any opposition towards this end defies political logic and desire for peace.

It is difficult to understand the hue and cry raised by Manipur Government and certain civil society organisations on the issue of Indo-Naga political solution that is drawing closer towards a final agreement.

There is no reason to go for such panic reaction," it said.

The Naga political movement for "self determination" has dragged on for more than 72 years.

The world is witness here as Indo-Naga political issue has reached the international domain via UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization).

All are quite aware that the struggle is not of recent development but of "pre-India's independent era" .

"In fact, Nagas under NNC (Naga National Council) declared Naga independence on 14th August, 1947 which is one day ahead of India's declaration of independence.

During the course of armed conflicts between India and Naga army, Nagas have paid a heavy price.

Thousands of Nagas had perished and many were imprisoned, became maimed and gone missing and thousands more were tortured, harassed and our mothers and sisters were dishonoured by Indian forces.

Many villages were burnt down and agricultural crops destroyed by armies.

We were made to live like animals in the jungles to escape from the invading Indian security forces.

The Nagas went through violation of human rights never seen anywhere in the world," UNC alleged.

It recalled that "3 accords had been already signed between the Government of India and the Naga people-9 Point Agreement, which is also known as Naga-Akbar Hydari Accord, 26-28 June 1947; 16 Point Agreement, 26th July 1960 & Shillong Accord, 11th November 1975" .

However, the Naga people could not "accept" the accords because justice was not delivered as deserved.

Rather, these accords have gone down into history as nothing more than political "flattery", it said.

The UNC further continued that having understood that military solution is not possible nor desirable, Indo-Naga cease fire agreement was signed between the two entities-Government of India and NSCN which took effect from 1st August 1997 .

After 18 years of hard negotiations, the historic Framework Agreement was signed on 3rd August 2015 at New Delhi.

As the peace talks gained fruition and entered a crucial stage, Naga people all over are awaiting the finalisation of Indo-Naga peace process at the earliest.

"It is, however, the determined stand of the Naga people that they will only accept an agreement that is honourable as per historical and political rights of the Nagas," said UNC.

"We have learned bitter lessons from the past.

Therefore, the political significance of the unique history and situation of the Nagas as recognised by the Government of India shall act as the guiding spirit in the final draft of the agreement," added UNC asserting that the fact that Manipur Government Chief Secretary wrote a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to question the validity of Indo-Naga ceasefire in Manipur is highly uncalled for.

"This is against the spirit of the Indo-Naga political talks that has crossed more than 22 years," it said.

"Peace is universal and we all want to taste peace in its true colour.

The Naga people welcome and support all forms of peaceful approaches and initiatives.

We will appreciate any individual (s) or a community (s) who support peace and harmony in the land.

Naga people will never deviate from the commitment to defend their land, identity, history and political rights at all cost till the end," it reminded the Chief Secretary.

"Manipur Government and other stakeholders should steer clear of Indo-Naga political peace process.

We all have to face the moment of truth sooner or later.

We have to define our political destiny with mutual understanding and respect.

It would cast a dark shadow in the socio-political scenario of Manipur if certain forces try to undermine Indo-Naga political process with chauvinistic ambition," cautioned UNC.

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