KOHIMA: In a significant development, the Ang Mai-led National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has announced its plans to initiate formal peace dialogues with both India and Myanmar.
The Ang Mai-led NSCN-K stated that this decision was taken by the group from a desire for peace, prosperity, and development rather than any weakness.
“To ensure peace, prosperity, and development in the entire Naga inhabited areas, peace with India and Myanmar will be initiated formally,” stated a statement signed by Ang Mai-led NSCN-K chairman Ang Mai, vice-chairman Nyeiton Konyak and general secretary Kughalu Mulatonu.
The statement stated that the political dialogue with India will only focus on sovereignty or arrangements beyond the Indian Constitution.
“In case of a temporary arrangement, it will be above the Framework and Agreed Position,” it added.
The Ang Mai-led NSCN-K also clarified its stance of non-alignment with any NGOs, civil society groups, political parties, or government bodies, positioning itself solely as the “guardian of Naga sovereignty”.
“Nagas cannot serve both God and Mammon nor nationalism and factionalism. With a change of century and generations, change in leaderships, Nagas must only serve Naga nationalism and no other,” the statement asserted.
The Ang Mai-led NSCN-K underscored its foundation in Naga nationalism for sovereignty, rooted in the principles of self-sufficiency, socialism, and “Nagaland for Christ,” established after the Shillong Accord of November 11, 1975, which the group views as a surrender to India by the Naga National Council (NNC).
The group reiterated its commitment to the Khaplang Plan of 1997, which emphasizes peace and unity among the Nagas under the principle of “Forgive and Forget”, within the framework of “Nagaland for Christ”.
Additionally, the NSCN-K and its Council of Naga Churches (CNC) will actively work to promote the vision of “Nagaland for Christ” throughout Naga-inhabited areas.
Reaffirming its openness to neighbours, the Ang Mai-led NSCN-K stated, “The Nagas have always kept their doors open for neighbours, and today, the NSCN will not shy away from this moral responsibility.”