Dimapur: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN (IM)] on Tuesday alleged that an apparent lack of political will and insincerity on the part of Indian leaders is posing a serious threat to efforts aimed at reaching an honourable and acceptable settlement to the Indo-Naga political issue.
In a statement, the NSCN (IM) said repeated attempts by the Government of India to portray the Indo-Naga issue as merely a domestic problem undermine the spirit of the mutually agreed Framework Agreement.
The group pointed out that Indian and Naga leaders have been engaged in political dialogue as two distinct entities for nearly three decades.
In this context, it said, branding the Naga political movement with terms such as “insurgents”, “rebels”, “terrorists” or “secessionists” does not help in addressing the core issue.
“These labels only reflect the immaturity and double standards of Indian leaders,” the statement alleged.
Reiterating its long-held position, the NSCN (IM) claimed that the Naga issue stems from what it described as the “invasion and forced occupation of Nagalim by India and Myanmar”.
It argued that the question of secession does not arise, as there was no consensual union in the first place.
The organisation said the Naga people have rejected what it termed as “bogus accords and false peace” imposed in the past, cautioning that repeating earlier mistakes would prove costly.
It stressed that the Government of India must recognise the seriousness with which the Nagas are seeking an honourable and lasting solution.
The NSCN (IM) further stated that while Nagas are sincere, honest and true to their word, they would strongly resist any form of insult, provocation, betrayal or attack, a position it said had been clearly conveyed at the negotiating table.