Lieutenant General (Retd) VS Atem, VC, a member of the Collective Leadership of the NSCN-IM, stated that Manipur’s political merger agreement with India “has nothing to do with the Nagas areas.” Speaking at a consultative meeting with the Chakhesang Region at Zhavame on 10 October 2023, General Atem highlighted that the merger agreement, which covered only 700 square miles, has no bearing on Naga territories. “It is just a matter of force that Naga areas are made to be part of Manipur,” he emphasized.
The meeting, attended by Chakhesang civil society organizations (CSOs) and representatives from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), took place at Zhavame Village where the NSCN dignitaries were graciously hosted with traditional hospitality by the village council.
Kraibo Chawang, a member of the Collective Leadership, addressed the Chakhesang people, emphasizing the importance of understanding their historical roots, political rights, and Naga identity. Chawang noted that one’s identity and land are inseparable, as land defines a nation’s political identity.
”NSCN leaders are never confused about its political movement, because a confused man is a lost man and a confused man is a dangerous man,” he said, encouraging the Chakhesang people not to be confused about the NSCN’s efforts in addressing Naga political issues.
Chawang explained how the Naga political movement has been affected by the belief that “something is better than nothing,” which has had ‘terrible damage’ on Naga political rights. He cautioned against repeating this mistake, particularly in the context of those advocating for a Naga solution.
”The so-called 16 Point Agreement and Shillong Accord was condemned for accepting such agreement under the Indian Constitution. These are all about Nagas being carried away by the syndrome of “something is better than nothing”,” stated Chawang.
He stressed that the NSCN’s stance is “nothing is better than nonsense,” affirming the commitment to defending what has been divinely granted to the Nagas. Chawang quoted the Holy Bible to highlight how church leaders, in their role as peacemakers, had betrayed Naga historical and political rights in the past.
”In the name of peace-makers, the worst treachery was committed as recorded in the chequered history of Nagas. Church leaders that played the crucial role in organizing the Peace Committee and the Naga People’s Convention(NPC) simply ended up as “killing mission” that betrayed the Nagas,” he added.
Chawang expressed confidence in the NSCN’s unwavering commitment to the Naga political movement under the banner of “Nagaland for Christ.” He also mentioned their ongoing efforts within the Framework Agreement.
Chawang argued that “Article 371(A) is a roadblock to Naga political solution” as the article is incorporated in the Indian Constitution and it offers diminishing returns and threatens Naga nationality and political identity.
He also stressed the NSCN’s neutrality in the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo, which has been recognized by the government of India as a “gentleman’s stand.”
Lieutenant General Atem recalled the Nagas’ historical defense of their rights and refusal to join the Union of India, even when all other princely states did. He recounted how the government of India attempted to persuade the Nagas to join but failed.
”Nagas stood firm to stand by its independent identity. This is the unique history of the Nagas that India too recognized and acknowledged in a formal declaration,” stated Atem.
He also mentioned Prime Minister Narasimha Rao’s initiation of political dialogue with the NSCN, which recognized the political rights of the Nagas. Atem emphasized that the signing of the Framework Agreement represented the acknowledgment of Naga sovereign rights.
According to Atem, “what exactly paved the way for Framework Agreement is NSCN’s commitment to understand Government of India’s security issue if Government of India understand and accepted Naga’s political rights.”
”This is the crux of the Indo-Naga political talks and how details are being worked out (Competencies) for mutual wins for both the parties,” he added.
On the core issue of flag and constitution, General Atem pointed out that the Government of India tried to evade accepting these two crucial issues. However, the NSCN remained resolute in linking these issues to the Framework Agreement as part of Naga sovereignty.
“Significantly, the Naga flag and constitution symbolized the sovereign Naga nation like any other nation around the world,” he stated.
General Atem also pointed out the mistaken concept of the government of India that anything offered is good for the Nagas stating that the NSCN stood up to show that Nagas cannot be fooled to repeat the flattery of the past.
Kilo Kilonser Major (Retd) Kewe Mero provided a welcome address, highlighting the theme of the consultative meeting regarding the Indo-Naga political talks and the ongoing ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo.
In a short speech, Jongpongsashi Longkumer, Kilonser of Education, emphasized the need to raise awareness and identify genuine national workers dedicated to the Naga political cause.
Zhehoto Awomi, Kilonser of Chaplee Affairs, expressed pride in the NSCN’s role in the Indo-Naga ceasefire declaration and the signing of the Framework Agreement. He emphasized the NSCN’s commitment to carrying the Naga political issue and its determination to uphold Naga political rights.
The meeting, according to the MIP, concluded with NSCN leaders presenting narratives on the Framework Agreement, Naga history, and the issue of Naga unification which the NNPGs “undo everything as they refused to part with their own treasury to be made part of “One government one tax” and therefore, it said, “the NSCN leaders has left no stone unturned to clear the way forward by doing away with anything that confused the Nagas.”