PM Modi is in default playing with Naga issue: Muivah
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 14 2024: NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dilly-dallying in implementing the hard-earned, historic Framework Agreement (FA), pointing to a pattern of default in the latter's commitment to finding a resolution to the protracted Naga political issue.

Muivah made the strong statement in his greetings to his Naga comrades and countrymen during the 78th Naga Independence Day celebration held at the Council Headquarters, Hebron, Nagaland on Wednesday.

He stated that the day the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) signed the historic FA on August 3, 2015, the world came to know better about the political rights of the Naga nation.

"This is no ordinary event of history, " he said, adding that the whole process of signing ceremony was broadcast live and given the status of a high profile political solemnity, and the world was made to bear witness.

Muivah added that given the political importance that would go down into Indo-Naga history, PM Modi undertook the trouble to supervise the details from the beginning to the end.

"Ironically, the same PM has turned cool as the years keep going away.

What makes him go slow in implementing FA, his own brainchild? Certainly, he is in default playing with the protracted Naga issue".

On the significance of the celebration, Muivah recalled that on 14th August, 1947 when Naga Independence Day was declared, history was created.

"It was a proud moment for the Nagas to assert their rights as a nation to be among the comity of independent nations," he emphasised, adding that the declaration was informed to the UN and duly acknowledged in conformity with the dignity of the Nagas and as demanded by the UN standard.

Mentioning that the declaration was also informed to the Government of India and the King of England, George VI, he stated that the Nagas did everything in accordance with the spirit of UN Charter of Human Rights that mentions "Recognising that the peoples of the world ardently desire the end of colonialism in all its manifestations".

According to Muivah, in keeping with the spirit of UN Charter with sovereign equality of states, the same declaration was cabled to the UN secretary general, thus, Nagas have taken into consideration to follow human dignity in accordance with the UN Charter "to encourage respect for each other's rights and freedoms" .

"I am proud to say that in pursuit of our freedom, Nagas have not faulted in any manner that contravenes international law.

This is on record," he declared, adding that the Nagas are peace loving people and have always followed peaceful process to have their sovereign rights respected and honoured.

"Nagas are sovereign nation since time immemorial.

Our great freedom fighters awakened themselves as a people and as a nation to stand up for their rights and assert their independence through non-violent resistance and civil disobedience movement," he noted and called it a privilege to remember the freedom fighters and pay homage to them for their exemplary leadership, courage and sacrifice for the cause of Naga nation, inspired by the spirit of Nagalim for Christ.

"78 years down the lane we have not lost the courage and spirit of freedom had not waned.

We have kept pace with the spirit of 1997 ceasefire to find lasting Naga political solution.

Our steadfastness in sticking to our guns resulted in signing the historic FA.

This was a milestone achievement of Indo-Naga political dialogue as the sovereign right of the Naga people was recognised after more than seven decades of Naga political struggle".

He further recalled that when NSCN-IM signed the FA it had taken much thought for the future security of the Naga people lest another mistake was committed.

Terming the FA as a 'matter of life and death' for the Nagas, he said it would be a Himalayan Blunder' if the Nagas placed themselves at the wrong side of the Agreement.

The NSCN-IM supremo also conveyed that to put on record the recognition of the sovereign identity of the Naga nation, the FA mentioned "peaceful co-existence of the two entities" which means India and Nagalim will have peaceful co-existence.

"This may go on for 10 years or 50 years depending on how the mutual understanding is interpreted in right spirit," he said.

Muivah however cautioned that if India indulged in what is called a departure from what is proper' between two entities, dragging the vulnerable Nagas into a dangerous political brinkmanship, India shall be accused or held responsible for serious breach of agreement with respect to peaceful co-existence of the two entities as mentioned in FA.

While acknowledging the contribution and forbearance of the Nagas during the course of the movement, he said, "You know we have all put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears' to defend our political rights.

We have paid heavy price for the love of our freedom.

Our love for freedom means we have to bear one another's burden.

We have to make personal sacrifice for the common good" .

Muivah also expressed gratefulness to the Almighty God for giving the Nagas many friends and sympathisers both in India and abroad who understand and respect the legitimacy of Naga issue.

"For this reason we have established strong footholds in international organisations like UNPO and others across the world.

We are highly indebted for their unflinching support".

He also called stable economy as the survivor of the nation.

"God has not left out Nagalim without any natural resources to sustain the economy of the Nagas.

Nagalim is sitting on a fortune of minerals as God has blessed Naga nation abundantly.

It is endowed with major mineral resources including petroleum spread out in different parts of Nagalim.

It belongs to us and nobody can exploit at the cost of undermining the sovereign ownership.

The right of ownership over our land resources is absolute, and no amount of casting covetous eyes will change the course," he asserted.

On the present situation in the Naga region in Myanmar, he stated that Nagas are now living through unique moment of their history.

"There is noise around the Naga areas in Myanmar.

We cannot afford to stand like a coward when our lands are under threat of being dominated by people of alien origin.

Land and people cannot be separated.

Whatever may betide we shall stand the ground to defend our God-given land.

Naga nation means people with land (territory) of their own.

We shall not tolerate against any force on earth poking their nose to keep the Nagas divided either through arbitrary decision or political means" .

"Our forefathers have sacrificed the best of their lives and went through 'blood, sweats and tears' to build the foundation for Naga people as a nation.

Why should we allow ourselves to be used as cheap commodity betraying the vision of our pioneer freedom fighters, to be traded in exchange for short term gain? The consequences of our 'never caring approach for the well-being of future generations' will certainly put us on the road to political damnation" .

"What is 'Nagalim for Christ' for us if the real essence is misplaced from our hearts? How beautiful the Naga political movement would be if we proved ourselves as the exemplary figures and accept the divine inspiration that there is no insurmountable problem if we trust God and surrender our political struggle under His command.

Let us stand firm in His name and give glory to Him always," Muivah added.

Meanwhile, a similar celebration was also held in Ukhrul town on Wednesday to mark the 78th Naga Independence Day.

Braving the wet weather, hundreds of people turned outto join the celebration.

Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Sword Vashum attended the celebration as chief guest.

He hoisted the Naga national flag at the district headquarters ground in the presence of WTR CAO W Sayai, deputy home Khavangkhui Rungsung, NSWON chairperson M Tharawon, Tangkhul CSO leaders and church elders.

A silent prayer was held to show honour to martyrs and fallen heroes of the Naga movement while the speech of Th Muivah was read out by CAO Sayai.

Patriotic songs were performed by popular Tangkhul singer AS Weapon and gospel music group Masotkhon' during the celebration.

Meanwhile, showing support to the celebration, private institutions including schools in the town remained closed for the day, while shops and commercial establishments downed their shutters till noon.

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