The NSCN (I-M) on Wednesday sought to point out that the Indo-Naga ceasefire and the peace process covers all Naga territories.
“This spirit has guided the 22 years of Indo-Naga political talks throughout. It was this mutual understanding and respect that has carried the talks this far,” it said.
The NSCN (I-M) issued a statement following a letter from the Manipur government to the Union home ministry to shift “unauthorised” NSCN (I-M) camps from Manipur to Nagaland.
The NSCN (I-M) took note of the letter written by Manipur chief secretary J. Suresh Babu mentioning that the Indo-Naga ceasefire does not extend to the state of Manipur.
Alleging that the United Committee Manipur (UCM) prodded the Manipur government to write the letter, the release said the committee has fired a salvo against the NSCN in particular and the Nagas in general.
The NSCN (I-M) asked the UCM to restrain itself from inciting its own people.
It said such a “repeated spiteful remark” by the UCM against the Nagas is not going anywhere to reverse the historical reality and movement that has brought about the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks running for more than 22 years.
The outfit added that such an absurdity will not succeed the final scrutiny of Naga people’s sacrifice for over 70 years “that is recorded in blood, sweat and tears”.
Despite the UCM’s “recklessness” to create a volatile situation, the NSCN said it has the dignity to say that it has great respect and good relationship with the Meitei people.
It also said the Manipur government and the political leaders of the state who are at the helm of affairs should exercise caution and restrain themselves from giving out any irresponsible statement to provoke the Nagas, lest it turn out to be a historical blunder and undo the age-old relationship detrimental to all.
The outfit hoped that the Indo-Naga political solution will bring about peace in the Northeast region of India and also immensely benefit the people of Manipur politically and economically.