NSCN (IM) chides Rahul, stands by Framework Agreement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 04 2016 : The NSCN (IM) has asserted that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi still cannot fathom the seriousness of the Indo-Naga conflict which has been dragging on for more than 7 decades and has responded to his 'unhealthy jibe' at the 3rd August, Framework Agreement (3AFA) signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) 'representing the Naga people' .

To make its stand clear, the outfit gave a brief recap so that Rahul Gandhi will be 'better informed of the peace process' .

In a statement issued today, NSCN (IM) said, 'Nagas have been quietly observing Rahul Gandhi who has been rigorously campaigning against 3AFA wherever he goes by undermining the undefeatable sentiment attached to the long pending political issue.

However the latest avoidable remark made in the Lok Sabha on March 2, 2016 does not augur well with the Nagas and henceforth necessitates responding' .

Recalling how the peace process started, NSCN (IM) said that Indo-Naga talks started during the Congress Government when Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister.

"It was your Prime Minister who came all the way to Paris to meet the collective leadership Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah seeking peaceful terms of negotiation and thus NSCN responded positively.

Hence started the cease fire followed by political negotiation between the two parties.

Late Narasimha Rao is therefore revered and Naga people will continue to remember him as a person who tried to understand Naga political problem in his best way", said NSCN (IM) .

The outfit also reminded Rahul Gandhi that the major period of the 18 years long political talks between NSCN and Government of India was under Congress led Government.

His great grandfather Nehru, grandmother Indira Gandhi, his father Rajiv Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi were all part of the Indo- Naga conflict in search for a political solution, reminded NSCN (IM) and questioned how he can feign ignorance.

Despite his political pedigree, he is opposed to the Framework Agreement, said NSCN (IM) and added that the 3AFA is a political document with a set of mutually agreed principles which will act as a guide book in finding the final solution between India and Naga people.

"His self created terminology like Naga Accord is nonexistent and misleading," chided NSCN (IM) .

The Framework Agreement is the only workable process to a final settlement that has caused a loss of more than two hundred fifty thousand innocent Naga lives as well as Indian soldiers, said the outfit and added that if Rahul Gandhi has any conscience he would have respected it.

A man of his stature and pedigree ought to understand the Indo-Naga issue, said the NSCN (IM) and added that this issue is the strongest and longest sustaining movement in South-East Asia.

The outfit urged Rahul Gandhi to leave electoral politics aside and not take sides with the Congress ruled States of Manipur and Assam but show statesmanship as an upcoming leader of India.

"NSCN reiterates our firm commitment to the 3AFA signed with the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and competent interlocutor RN Ravi," added the statement.

The outfit also urged all the leaders in India, irrespective of party affiliation to contribute positively and support the ongoing peace talk so that peace and prosperity will dawn on the Naga people.

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