The NSCN (IM) has asserted that the issue of integration of “all the Naga territories is an integral part of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue”. In a statement on Sunday, the outfit said the Indo-Naga political talks sans integration of all the contiguous Naga areas will be a futile exercise.
“Naga territories which have been kept apart arbitrarily and indiscriminately by the British in the first place and then further divided between Burma (now Myanmar) and India under Nehru without the knowledge and consent of the Naga people is totally unacceptable,” it said.
The release said in recognition of the Nagas’ history and situation as unique by the Government of India, the historic Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 was signed between the Government of India and the NSCN.
It further said both the parties agreed and recognized that integration of all the contiguous Naga areas is the legitimate right of the Naga people and it is mutually agreed that it will be pursued through earnest political democratic process.
“Now, after 21 years of negotiations, India and Naga people are prepared to finalize the political dialogue to its logical conclusion and resolve the oldest political problem in the entire South East Asia,” the release further maintained. Any attempt, at this crucial juncture, to undermine or disturb the peace process without being able to make head or tail of the negotiation shall no longer be tolerated, the NSCN (IM) warned.
It also termed the recent “irrational and irresponsible statements” on Naga territorial integration by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as nothing but a direct challenge to the Naga national cause.
“Who is he to barter the legitimate rights of the Nagas in the open market for personal glory? Whom is he trying to please by surrendering the history and the legitimate right of the Nagas?” the NSCN (IM) asked. Such a treacherous attempt to enhance personal political ambition at the expense of the Nagas’ right is a deliberate insult to the Naga people’s sentiment, it stated.
It also asserted that the Nagas will stand ground to the last come what may.
The release also reminded that this hard earned political achievement has come at the cost of untold sufferings and supreme sacrifices rendered by thousands of Naga sons and daughters. “No individual or organization is licensed to talk cheaply on the history of our people,” the NSCN (IM) added