The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has firmly stated that the Naga movement is neither a secessionist movement nor a law-and-order issue, as perceived by India. In a press statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the group clarified, “Naga movement is neither a case of secessionist movement nor that of law-and-order problem of India. Ours is purely a case of invasion and forceful occupation of our homeland by India.”
The NSCN-IM emphasized that the world is well aware of the Naga people’s resistance against what they describe as Indian aggression. “Since the start of the movement, the world is so well informed of the Naga people’s resistance movement against the Indian aggression,” the statement continued. The group criticized the Indian government’s military approach, pointing out, “In its attempt to subdue the Nagas through sheer military might, the government of India sent thousands of armed forces to Nagalim, where hundreds of thousands of innocent Nagas were killed, without getting the desired result as Nagas simply refused to yield.”
The NSCN-IM further recounted India’s attempts to resolve the issue through the Naga People’s Convention (NPC), calling it a “bogus” effort. The group stated, “The government of India in collusion with Naga traitors tried desperately to hook the Naga issue in the name of a bogus Naga People’s Convention (NPC) and made the so-called 16 Point Indian drafted memorandum without the knowledge and consent of the mandated Naga national leaders.”
The NSCN-IM argued that the intention behind the agreement was to divide the Naga people, claiming, “It was an attempt to legitimize the illegitimate occupation of Nagalim by India. However, Nagas refused to honor such Indian-imposed agreement.”
In addition, the group condemned another attempt by the Indian government, the “Shillong Accord,” calling it a betrayal of Naga national principles. “Another attempt called ‘The Shillong Accord’ was imposed upon the Nagas to subjugate the Nagas through political chicanery. However, it was totally condemned and rejected by the Naga National Assembly for the very reason that it betrayed the Naga national principle.”
The NSCN-IM described the long-standing conflict and negotiations that led to the ceasefire agreement in 1997, following twenty-two years of confrontation. “After twenty-two years of long bloody confrontation, the government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) reached a ceasefire agreement in 1997,” the statement mentioned. The group highlighted the subsequent historic Framework Agreement signed on 3rd August 2015 in New Delhi, which was witnessed by several key Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. “The Framework Agreement recognizes the unique history of Naga independence; it recognizes the sovereignty of the Nagas and it also stated the coexistence of the two entities (Indian and the Nagas) sharing sovereign power (shared sovereignty). It was also agreed that Nagas are the owners of their land, anything on the surface and beneath of it.”
Reiterating their commitment to a solution that respects their sovereignty, the NSCN-IM stated, “We are for peace, but we do not buy peace at the expense of our future.” The group also emphasized the importance of their identity, declaring, “Nagas are friendly to everyone, but we do not make friendship with others who have betrayed their identity.”
The NSCN-IM underscored their vision for Naga state-building on their own foundation while believing in peaceful coexistence with other communities. “Nagas are building their state on Naga foundation. However, we believe in the principle of co-existence with other communities.”
The NSCN-IM reaffirmed its stance on the Framework Agreement, calling it the cornerstone of Indo-Naga relations. “The Framework Agreement is a solution both the parties have been working for. It is the cornerstone of Indo-Naga relationship. It is a bridge, not a wall. No one should ever attempt to tear down the Framework Agreement. It was purchased with the precious sweats, blood, and tears of hundreds of thousand revolutionary patriots.”