NSCN-IM demands clarification on issue of ceasefire coverage
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, September 05 2014 : The NSCN-IM today warned that there would be a serious problem unless the cease-fire area coverage is clarified by the Government.

NSCN-IM in a press communique today said that in view of the repeated and unprovoked statements on the ceasefire area coverage in the current peace process between the Government of India and the Naga outfit by the Cease-Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG), Chairman Lieutenant General (Rtd), NK Singh, Chief Minister Ibobi and Home Minister Gaikhangam, NSCN-IM said it is constrained to state that unless the cease-fire area coverage is clarified there would be a serious problem.

"We are utterly shocked at the audacity of such officer as General (Rtd) NK Singh to show public contempt of the commitment of Indian Prime Ministers on Cease-fire area coverage.

Nothing can be more shocking than such rashness of disrespect to the bilateral agreement of the Government of India and the NSCN on cease-fire made on June 14, 2001, in Bangkok by the person who has been appointed to effectively implement cease-fire as a Chairman," the NSCN-IM said.

The Naga outfit then reminded General (Rtd) NK Singh that the joint agreement was agreed upon officially and it also stated that the cease-fire agreement is between the Government of India and the NSCN as two entities without territorial limits.

"We reiterate that there is no official and bilateral agreement which shows that the three words "without territorial limits" have been 'deleted' or is 'non-existent' as wildly claimed by General (Rtd) NK Singh," it added.

The NSCN-IM also said it has taken a serious view and strong exception to the irresponsible statement of General (Rtd) NK Singh, Chairman of the CFMG that "cease-fire with the NSCN does not extend outside Nagaland" .

"Does he mean that fighting should start in the present state of Manipur or elsewhere?," the outfit questioned.

The unchecked statements by Government of India's officials appointed to monitor the effective implementation of cease-fire will surely lead to escalation of fighting between the forces of the Government of India and the NSCN-IM, it added.

For the past 17 years since the beginning of cease-fire in 1997 we have earnestly given our sincere efforts at working out an amicable political settlement acceptable to both the parties, the NSCN-IM statement also said.

The outfit further said they also have high regards for the commitments given by India's Prime Ministers to resolve the Indo-Naga issue politically and through peaceful means, "However, today if we have to go by the statements of General (Rtd) NK Singh, Ibobi and Gaikhangam, then, are we to conclude that fighting have been licensed between the forces of the NSCN and the Government of India? The NSCN/ GPRN condemn the immature and reckless self-style statement of General (Rtd) NK Singh that the three words were "non-existent".

We question the mandate of such utterance.

Is he ignorant of the 17 years of cease-fire that has been in principle observed by both the parties universally?," the NSCN-IM further asked.

"Considering the patience we have exercised does the position taken by people like General (Rtd) NK Singh imply that fighting should start outside the present Nagaland state? And if our patience is interpreted as a sign of weakness the constant extreme provocation from such persons and the state forces will compel the NSCN to take the extreme steps.

If fighting starts between the forces of the Government of India and the NSCN on account of such irresponsible statements, the Government of India and its negligent officials shall be held solely responsible," the NSCN-IM statement warned.

The Naga outfit further stated that it was time for the Government of India to give a clear cut clarification on the issue of ceasefire coverage as agreed upon in the June 14, 2001 Bangkok agreement which states that, "the cease-fire agreement is between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM as two entities without territorial limits" in order to prevent recurrence of conflict and also to avert the damaging ramifications it will have on the current Indo-Naga peace process.

In order to jog the memories of General (Rtd) NK Singh and others, the Prime Minister of India, A.B.Vajpayee clarified at Osaka, Japan that, "wherever there is fighting, there is cease-fire".

This statement is given with the best of intention to avoid unwanted circumstances, the NSCN-IM statement said.

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