NSCN (IM) issues rejoinder to statement by PB Acharya
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 10 2015 :
National Socialist Council of Nagaland or NSCN (IM) has alleged that Nagaland Governor PB Acharya is totally "misinformed or ignorant" of the framework agreement signed between the Government of India and the outfit on August 3 .
In a press note issued by NSCN (IM) MIP, the outfit said that the "Framework Agreement" is the foundation upon which the edifice of solution will be built.
The agreement says that India and Naga will co-exist as two entities and that the question of merger of one with the other does not arise, said NSCN (IM) .
"The Nagas are not looking for status in par with other communities within the parameter of Indian constitution.
Ours is not a domestic/law and order problem of India.
The agreement says it is a political problem that calls for political solution.
It also says that the history and the situation of the Nagas is unique, which means Nagas have never been a part of the Union of India either by conquest or by consent", asserted the NSCN (IM) .
The MIP press note also said that much against the spirit and letter of the agreement, the Nagaland Governor had also reiterated "no areas of other states will be lumped with Nagaland" .
Asserting that the Nagas have "never ever grabbed even an inch of land from their neighbours rather our land has been divided into a number of pieces and taken by our neighboring States against the wishes of the Nagas", MIP said the division of Naga territory is one of the causes of the resistance movement.
"Territorial integration of the Nagas is a natural necessity, not a choice or demand", said the MIP press note.
NSCN (IM) also expressed its dismay with Acharya who has been quoted as stating that "NSCN has given up the demand for a sovereign Nagaland." The framework agreement says that according to the universal principle sovereignty lies with the people, not government, stressed NSCN (IM).
Therefore, "the sovereignty of India lies with the Indian people and the sovereignty of the Nagas lies with the Naga people" said the outfit while reiterating that there will be sharing of sovereign power for enduring peaceful co-existence of the two entities.
"The Nagas will never accept any agreement that betrays their principle.
Seeking solution by suppressing the right of the Nagas is the seed of war, not solution.
The representatives from all sections of Naga people wherever they are have unanimously approved and endorsed the framework agreement" in their consultative meeting held on August 25, said NSCN (IM).
The following day, NSCN (IM) authorities and 60 members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly along with the two Members of Parliament had a "historic open interaction" on the framework agreement where the legislators expressed "appreciation and support", said the MIP statement.
The statement pointed out that Nagas are now entering a new era where they will live with India and other neighboring people and nations on the basis of harmonious interdependent relationship.
"This is the era of the Nagas.
No evil policy or deception strategy or coalition forces of the aggressors or power of the enemies of the Nagas will prevail anymore", asserted NSCN (IM).