Policy will jeopardise peace process : NSCN
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 12 2016:
Taking serious note of the 'incessant assault on the political and historical rights of the Nagas by the Government of Manipur backed by the Central Government,' the NSCN (IM) has today declared that this 'treacherous policy will lead to endless confrontation and will surely jeopardize the ongoing peace process' .
In a statement issued to the media today, the NSCN (IM) said that they represent the Naga people and their political aspirations and therefore take full responsibility of their well being and protection.
Stating that the Nagas have come to the negotiating table with the honest intention to sincerely resolve the decades old conflict, the NSCN said that it was in this line that the Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 .
However despite the serious negotiation and the significant progress, the declaration of disturbed areas in the hill areas of Manipur and sending the Central forces to Naga areas has taken the Nagas totally by surprise, said NSCN (IM) .
"Is this a sign of sincerity or seeking peaceful political situation ? We are compelled to ask this question to the Government of India,' added the NSCN (IM) .
"We conclude that the Central Government and the Government of Manipur are deliberately joining hands to divide and suppress the Naga people.
This treacherous policy will lead to endless confrontation and will surely jeopardise the ongoing peace process," declared NSCN (IM) .
"The creation of seven new districts on December 8 out of Naga areas or slicing Naga areas to other districts in Manipur is not only disrespecting the authority of the Indian State that is on talks with the NSCN/GPRN but it shall be construed as a communal threat to the Naga people," further said the outfit.
Taking pot shots at Chief Minister O Ibobi, NSCN (IM) said that it has seriously taken the agenda of Chief Minister O Ibobi to communalise the vote banks of the Nagas on the one side and the Meiteis and Kukis on the other side.
"It is a deliberate conspiracy to gain political mileage because of the impending 2017 election in Manipur," further said NSCN (IM) .
Fully endorsing the protest of the Naga people under the aegis of the United Naga Council, NSCN (IM) said that the 'sinister attempt of Ibobi Singh to divide the Nagas in Manipur by dislocating and weakening them in different districts shall not be accepted by the Naga people' .
The Nagas have been defending their lands, population and politics through blood and tears over the centuries and this will remain as the tallest call to the very last soul of Nagas, declared the NSCN (IM) .
Slamming the arrest of UNC president Gaidon Kamei and publicity secretary SK Stephen, NSCN (IM) said that the Government of India must initiate sincere and positive steps for the unconditional release of the UNC leaders and withdraw all Central forces and initiate political dialogue with the UNC and the Naga people.
The Nagas will not accept any form of imposition or division of land in the name of administrative convenience or development or any other hidden agenda, said the statement and added that 'this kind of policy by the Government of India is too treacherous.
Nagas will not accept nor will they bow down come what may' .