The NSCN (I-M) on Tuesday alleged that the Government of India continued to speak in ambivalent terms even after more than 23 years of political talks when it comes to jurisdiction of the ceasefire.
It said the 1997 Indo-Naga ceasefire for political negotiation was signed with high hope and excitement on the part of the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim.
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A release issued by the outfit said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issuing a directive to the Assam Rifles to intensify operations against NSCN has come as a rude shock.
“Naturally, this has become the boiling point of conflict that the Government of India is simply making an escapade,” the release said.
It stressed that the Government of India must handle the situation with great sensitivity and not prod the Indian security forces and other security agencies to run amok against the NSCN.
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Cautioning that in “such a situation” its members cannot allow themselves to be sitting ducks, the NSCN said, “Our patience should not be translated as weak and helpless.”
It warned that the consequences will be disastrous for both parties, which is never in the interest of ceasefire across Naga areas.
According to the NSCN, the Naga political issue cannot be undermined in such a manner that contradicts the well-established historical and political rights of the Naga people spread across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
The outfit said the political right of the Naga people is no longer an issue that necessitated any review. It added the signing of the historic Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, is a living document to take the Government of India and the NSCN through for the final solution.
It said what really matters is the political will to be exercised by the Centre to push the Indo-Naga political solution for the final deal.
“The Nagas have come this far in search of a peaceful solution. But the Government of India still continues to waver. This is a sign of weakness and insincerity,” it stated
Saying that the Framework Agreement is a symbol of “our olive branch to India, our desire to co-exist peacefully as good neighbors”, the NSCN felt this has not been reciprocated with the correct political steps.
“The Naga people’s sincere approach and search for permanent peace has been touted time and again to suit India’s colonial divide and rule policy. This is evidently seen in the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks,” the outfit further alleged.
“The Naga people believe in solutions based on mutual respect of each other’s position. But we do not believe in force union bereft of any political wisdom. Nor do we believe in carrot and stick policy that will only complicate what has been achieved all these years of negotiation,” it added.