Th Muivah demands ‘third-party intervention’, signals readiness for armed resistance
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) Chief Political Negotiator, Thuingaleng Muivah, expressed deep frustration over what he described as India’s “betrayal” of the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015. Muivah called for unwavering support from the Naga people as he reiterated the NSCN’s demand for the recognition of Nagalim’s unique identity, particularly through its sovereign national flag and constitution.
Muivah’s message warned that NSCN and Nagalim “will not wait forever” for the Government of India (GoI) to honor what he considers the fundamental elements of the 2015 Framework Agreement. According to Muivah, the GoI’s failure to acknowledge these aspects effectively undermines the spirit of the agreement, which was meant to lay the groundwork for a political solution based on mutual respect and recognition.
Muivah accused the GoI of attempting to impose “conditions and terms of surrender” on the NSCN, wherein “the GoI will impose a political agreement that will not respect and honor the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015.” He further claimed that “the GoI will force the NSCN/GPRN to sign a political agreement without the Nagalim sovereign national flag and Nagalim sovereign national constitution.” In response to these terms, he declared that NSCN “shall take whatever steps that is necessary…to protect and defend the ‘Nagalim unique history,’ ‘Nagalim sovereignty and freedom,’ ‘Nagalim sovereign territory,’ ‘Nagalim sovereign national flag’ and ‘Nagalim sovereign national constitution.’”
Muivah’s statement emphasized that “even if the odds are against Nagalim and the NSCN, we shall take whatever steps that is necessary” to safeguard Naga sovereignty, “by whatever means including armed struggle.”
Muivah suggested that a “third-party intervention” could resolve the ongoing betrayal of the Framework Agreement. He clarified, however, that if such an initiative is rejected by the GoI, the NSCN “shall resume the violent armed resistance against India” in defense of Nagalim’s “unique history” and “sovereign existence.”
Muivah declared, “the violent confrontation between India and Nagalim shall be purely on account of the deliberate betrayal and breach of commitment by India and its leadership to respect and honor the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015.” He continued by stressing that “India and its leadership shall be held responsible for the catastrophic and adverse situation that will arise out of the violent armed conflict between India and Nagalim.”
Muivah’s address also included a personal reflection on his leadership, affirming that he had “not betrayed the freedom and sovereignty given to me and Nagalim.” He invoked the religious commitment to Naga sovereignty, stating, “I have honored my Lord God Almighty for ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’”
Drawing strength from his faith, Muivah stated, “The battle belongs to God and He shall fight for us,” urging the Naga people to stand firm in the face of adversity. He added that the future of Nagalim’s sovereignty rests on “the sacred commitment to our Lord God Almighty to uphold and protect ‘Nagalim unique history,’ ‘Nagalim sovereignty and freedom,’ ‘Nagalim sovereign territory,’ ‘Nagalim sovereign national flag’ and ‘Nagalim sovereign national constitution.’”
Muivah reiterated the NSCN’s unwavering position for a political agreement that “respects and honors the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015”, with specific emphasis on the recognition of the Nagalim sovereign national flag and constitution.
(Read full statement here)