Dimapur: The NSCN (IM) on Monday reaffirmed that the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement remains the only basis for resolving the Indo-Naga political issue and accused the Government of India of attempting to reinterpret and delay its implementation.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement, NSCN (IM) chairman Q. Tuccu alleged that the Centre was inciting its “surrogate Kuki mercenary forces” to fight against the Nagas and that “colonial-based policies” continued to influence sections of the Indian leadership.
In a message issued on the occasion, Tuccu claimed that some Indian leaders were seeking “an escape route” to overturn the Framework Agreement.
He appealed to NSCN cadres, Naga political groups and the Naga people to remain united against what he described as India’s “colonial policy” and forces seeking to derail a principle-based solution.
Reiterating that the Framework Agreement must remain the foundation for resolving the Indo-Naga issue, Tuccu said any attempt to pursue a settlement outside its framework would be futile.
“Anything that is deceitfully planned to go against the spirit and letter of the Framework Agreement is simply an act of betrayal of the mutual agreement,” he said.
Describing the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim as a “Red Letter Day” in Naga history, Tuccu paid tribute to past Naga leaders and said the agreement recognised the “unique history of Naga independence and the sovereignty of the Nagas”.
He said the agreement envisaged a new relationship between the two sides and warned that rejecting it could push both peoples back towards armed confrontation, political instability and economic stagnation.
Tuccu expressed concern over the delay in finalising the agreement a decade after it was signed. He also alleged that the Government of India’s position had become “unsteady” and that there were attempts to interpret the Framework Agreement according to its “interest and convenience”.