Nagas will not merge into the Union of India, says NSCN-IM

Nagas are a recognized entity. Nagas do not accept Indian constitution, but Nagas and Indians will share sovereign powers based on competencies.




The celebration started with hosting of the ‘Naga National Flag’ by the special guest of the event, Neingulo Krome, secretary-general Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights. (Image Courtesy: The Indian Express)

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Isaak-Muivah faction (NSCN-IM) in Imphal said Wednesday that Nagas are a recognized entity. and they do not accept Indian constitution, but they and Indians will share sovereign powers based on competencies,” The Morung Express reported.

A press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) said that Nagas and Indians are inseparably inter-related in many fields, and called upon the Naga people to learn to co-exist for mutual benefits.

However, it made clear that “the Nagas will not merge into the Union of India, but they will co-exist with the Union of India as two entities. Nagas are a recognized entity. Nagas do not accept Indian constitution, but Nagas and Indians will share sovereign powers based on competencies.”

The NSCN (IM) meanwhile cautioned that “It will be a great loss for both the parties in terms of time, labor, money and life if we miss this turn of opportunity.” It termed the Framework Agreement as the “meeting point for the war-ridden Indians and the Nagas on the one hand and the uniting point for the divided Nagas on the other.”

It however regretted that “opportunists, deserters, opponents and detractors” are now “claiming the harvest they have not labored for.”

“Where were they when the faithful soldiers of the cause were fighting against the aggressors in the east, in the west, in the north and the south? Where were they when revolutionary patriots were horribly suffering persecutions in the cruel hands of the enemies? Where were they when national leaders were doing the works of mobilization in the international political arena? Where were they when NSCN entered into a cease-fire agreement with the GoI? Where were they when NSCN cadres moved from village to village covering four corners of Nagalim for reaching the peoples on all issues? On what basis are they claiming stakeholders in the peace process?” the NSCN (IM) questioned.

The NSCN, it stated, “represents the Naga people including village chiefs, civil societies/organizations, political parties and the Churches, whereas Government of India represents India including its states.”

With regard to a “Solution for Nagas of Nagaland state,” the NSCN (IM) quoted Nagaland Governor and Interlocutor to the Naga peace talks, RN Ravi as stating that “this is a non-issue.” “GoI is talking with NSCN because NSCN represents the issue of the Nagas that covers all Nagas and their territories. NSCN represents the Naga people and the national issue,” it added.

It further recalled former Indian Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao as having stated that “NSCN represent the people; the issue is with you and you have proved yourselves.”

“When our Ato Kilonser, Th. Muivah told him to talk with the others also, he retold saying, why should I talk with them? The issue is not with them. They are in my hand,” the NSCN (IM) further said.

It meanwhile asserted that the “talk is between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) as two entities.”

“And literally speaking, the question of stakeholders does not arise. However, the Interlocutor of the GoI, RN Ravi said, there will be only one talk and one solution, but the other groups should also be accommodated in the Framework Agreement,” the NSCN (IM) added.

In response to this, it informed that Ato Kilonser Muivah had said, “They are welcome if they want to be part of the Framework Agreement.”

Having said this, the NSCN (IM) however called for unity amongst all Nagas. It recalled a statement by the NSCN (IM)’s late Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu who had said: “We have forgiven the past mistakes of our brothers in different camps. They should also forgive our past mistakes and unite in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

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