Addl forces sent to Naga areas at behest of O Ibobi : NSCN (IM)
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 28 2016: Asserting that the seriousness of the ongoing political talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India has led to the signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, the NSCN (IM) today said that though it is seriously committed to finding a peaceful solution, the Government of India seems to have lost its statesmanship in dealing with the issue and presented the existing problem in Manipur as an example.

In a statement issued to the press, the NSCN (IM) said that the current problem in Manipur has been created by Chief Minister O Ibobi out of his sheer desperation and added that it is at his behest that the Government of India has sent additional Central forces against the Nagas.

This is a clear example of the nexus between Chief Minister O Ibobi and the Government of India, alleged the outfit and questioned, "Where is the sincerity of the Government of India to solve the Indo-Naga problem ?" .

Stating that Nagas will never accept any imposition, the outfit said that the creation of new districts out of Naga territory without their consent is a deliberate act to suppress the rights of the Naga people.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla obviously gave assent to the creation of the seven new districts with the blessings of the Centre, claimed the outfit and added that this is more than clear that New Delhi is using O Ibobi to "please the Meiteis at the expense of the Nagas" .

Will the Indo-Naga problem be solved through Ibobi Singh, asked the outfit and asserted that the fate of the Nagas will never be placed at the hands of anyone.

Stating that it is for a political situation, the NSCN (IM) said that it would be wise on the part of the Government of India to seek a realistic approach to the Indo-Naga issue.

"The Indian leadership must realise the futility of using armed forces against the Nagas lest the hard earned peace process is rendered meaningless," warned the outfit.

The refusal of Chief Minister O Ibobi to come forward for a tripartite talk is bound to invite an endless confrontation, said the outfit and questioned, 'Is not the current volatile situation created by Ibobi a deliberate attempt to sabotage the progress of the talks ?" .

The all out support extended to O Ibobi by the Central leadership has created a trust deficit, maintained the outfit and added that is surprising that the Government of India is allowing him to disturb the peace process at this crucial stage.

"The Nagas will defend their ancestral land at any cost and therefore they cannot be blamed if the worst were to happen," added the statement.

The Government of India has deliberately chosen to support the Government of Manipur, some Meitei civil societies and Meitei insurgents who "humiliated and destroyed properties of the Nagas in Imphal valley and are desperately trying to derail the peace process," claimed the outfit.

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