Guwahati: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (IM) has sought a third-party intervention to address the deadlock over the Naga political issue, threatening to resume its armed resistance if its proposal is rejected.
The insurgent outfit which has been in a ceasefire agreement since 1997 has accused the Centre of betraying the Framework Agreement that was signed between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The outfit’s general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah in a statement claimed the Centre was deliberately refusing to honour the Framework Agreement’s key provisions, particularly the recognition of the Naga national flag and constitution.
While saying the organisation was committed to protect the unique history and sovereignty of Nagalim – the areas of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Myanmar – inhabited by the Naga people, Muivah affirmed that these principles were non-negotiable in any political settlement.
Muivah stated that the Centre’s failure to abide by the Framework Agreement could result in resurgence of a renewed violent conflict.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
He said the Framework Agreement was lauded for officially recognising the Naga issue as a conflict between two sovereign entities.
Muivah said the agreement also acknowledged Nagalim’s sovereign national flag and constitution, indicating a remarkable move from the traditional stance that the conflict was an internal matter for India.
Claiming that the Centre has betrayed the essence of the agreement by refusing to formally acknowledge the Naga flag and constitution, Muivah said these are non-negotiable and should be included in any future political settlement, adding failure to respect these commitments would result in the collapse of the peace process.
While suggesting that external mediation might be necessary, Muivah sought for a third-party intervention to address the deadlock.
He said if the Centre rejects the proposal, the organisation would be left with no choice but to resume the armed resistance in defence of Nagalim’s sovereign existence.
However, Muivah expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, emphasising that the Centre must acknowledge the Naga flag and constitution as part of the settlement.