A week after the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for Nagaland Assembly elections, the NSCN-IM on Tuesday has made it clear that imposition of such elections is not acceptable to the Naga people who are for an early negotiated political settlement.
According to the outfit, the decision taken by the Government of India/Election Commission of India to hold election is bound to undermine the progress of the ongoing talks between the NSCN and the Government of India and become a serious obstacle towards finding an early political solution.
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The rebel outfit in a statement said those who advocate the “imposed election” do not stand for the interest of the Naga people.
“We are seriously critical with such people or group as they do not contribute towards finding lasting political solution,” it cautioned.
The NSCN-IM said the statement has been issued in national interest to inform the Naga people in general on the issue of election in Nagaland.
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Asserting that they are committed for an early negotiated political settlement that is honourable to both India and the Nagas, the outfit said the Nagas have sincerely come very close for political solution appreciating the steps taken by the Government of India in seeking political solution and leaving aside military solution.
The outfit pointed out that subsequently, after nearly five years of political negotiation in 2002 the Government of India officially recognized the unique history and situation of the Nagas and on August 3, 2015 the Framework Agreement was signed between the NSCN and the Government of India in the presence of the Prime Minister.
Stating that it sincerely appreciates the stand and wish of the Naga people for an early political solution and no election, the NSCN-IM reiterated its position for an early political solution that will usher in peace in the whole subcontinent and added that the Government of India must exercise political will to take steps accordingly.