The NSCN (IM) said today that, in pursuit of a Naga political solution that is getting more sensitive with every passing day, what is crucially important is to follow the correct approach and that wrong approach will bring no solution. The NSCN (IM) once again expressed disapproval of the Government of India “hobnobbing” with SC Jamir who the group said does not represent the Naga political interest anymore. Accusing SC Jamir of messing up the Naga issue by bringing the 16 Point Agreement without consulting the stakeholders (Naga national workers), the NSCN (IM) said that the “bloodshed and killings that followed after the 16 Point Agreement is a matter of historical record.”
“The very person who has vouched strongly to defend the interests of India rather than Naga people’s political interest have no moral authority to speak for the Naga political rights,” NSCN (IM) said, while adding that the Second Indo-Naga Ceasefire of 1997 was signed to correct the political mistakes of the past like 16 Point Agreement and Shillong Accord. “The 16 Point Agreement that created Nagaland state covers only16000 sq.km. leaving out the rest of the Naga areas covering more than 100000 sq.km.,” it said.
It went on to say that if Jamir had not obstructed the meeting of Nehru and Phizo or not betrayed the call of Naga people to boycott the election in 1998, Nagas’ relationship with India would have been at a much better level. “It is now up to the Government of India whether it will choose to go with the condemned past agreements by taking the advice of the surviving architect of the 16 Point Agreement or to go with the Framework Agreement that was loudly highlighted before the world and thereby finalize the Indo-Naga political issue once and for all,” it added.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that it is never opposed to early solution except that it should be honourable and acceptable. While acknowledging the people being overburdened with taxations by multiple factions, it said this issue can end only through a solution. “Nagas cannot afford to make another mistake in accepting a settlement which does not guarantee a secured future of the Naga people as well as complete eradication of taxes in the name of Naga political struggle”.