Myanmar situation concerns NSCN (IM)
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, May 19 2019: The NSCN-IM has expressed concern over the reports of "military action" by the Myanmar Army allegedly in "collaboration with the Indian security forces" in Nagas areas in Myanmar.

While strongly condemning the alleged incidents, the NSCN-IM on Sunday said that "what is happening in Nagalim areas in Myanmar at the hands of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) is a matter of serious concern for NSCN" .

It said that it "strongly condemns the Tatmadaw's military action co-ordinated by the Indian security forces at the so-called international borders that has gone diabolic and outrageous" .

According to the NSCN-IM, there should be a better way to handle the issue.

The NSCN-IM said that the "chaotic situation thus created by the blatant offensive of the Tatmadaw has destabilized" the livelihood of the Naga villagers as the Naga people are made to "bear" the brunt of the Tatmadaw onslaught.

"What has happened to Hoyat and Laonyu villages is just another act of treachery which will not help strengthen the peace process started by Myanmar Government under the 2012 ceasefire agreement," said the NSCN-IM.

It then stated that "all concern stakeholders" must abide by this ceasefire agreement in the interest of creating conducive atmosphere for lasting peace.

According to the NSCN-IM, what is important for the Government of Myanmar is to take cognizance of the historical and political rights of the Nagas and go for peaceful means "because neither India nor Myanmar is an enemy of the Nagas" .

It also stated that any differences should be solved through peaceful political process.

The NSCN-IM further said that the Myanmar Government or Tatmadaw for that matter should also understand the "deep" sentiment of the Nagas who have withstood all hardships to stand by their historical and political rights.

"Aggression of the Indian armed forces in collaboration with the Myanmar armed forces on the rights of the Nagas in that part of Naga territory in the guise of flushing out armed groups - UNLF, PLA and ULFA is a naked and deliberate violation of human rights," the NSCN-IM added.

"Given the hostility shown by the Tatmadaw's operation in the so-called Indo-Myanmar corridors, the road to peaceful solution may get jeopardized if they fail to recognize the need for trust, respect and mutual understanding that goes together in solving a political problem that is more complex than one could see," the NSCN-IM further said.

"Placed under such situation, we Nagas cannot stay aloof from what our fellow Nagas in the east under Myanmar occupation are going through at the hands of the Tatmadaw," the NSCN-IM stated, adding, "We are one Naga family and we express profound solidarity with them at this critical stage of their suffering" .

The NSCN-IM then appealed to all Nagas "without borders" to raise their voice of concern to drive home the message that the whole Nagas are with them.

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