NSCN-IM on various issues

NSCN-IM calls for an end to violence between Meiteis and Kukis, asserts Naga tribes’ inclusion

Mokokchung, 25 May (MTNews): In the midst of the ongoing violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has expressed its strong disapproval by calling it “detestable”. The NSCN-IM condemned the attacks on human settlements, emphasizing the inhumanity of such actions. The burning of places of worship, particularly churches, was also denounced as ‘sacrilegious acts committed on religious lines’.

Recognizing that these acts of violence are a clear violation of human rights applicable to all members of society, the NSCN-IM stated that the Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Kharam, Koireng, and Kom ‘minor Naga tribes’ are part of the Naga community. It emphasized that these tribes have actively participated in the Naga political struggle for freedom from India and Myanmar, and their inclusion should not be overlooked till their goal is achieved.

The NSCN-IM appealed to the Meitei and Kuki communities, urging them not to take them “otherwise and harass them in any manner.” The NSCN-IM regretted that Kangathei village, a Kom village, has recently faced an attack by alleged Kuki militants, leading to the forceful evacuation of its inhabitants. The NSCN stressed that such vicious acts of violence would only worsen the situation and called for an immediate end for the sake of humanity and peaceful coexistence.

In light of these developments, the NSCN-IM called for a display of great sagacity and statesman’s foresight.

NSCN-IM demands respect for Framework Agreement amidst resource concerns

Mokokchung, 25 May (MTNews): The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has expressed concern over the Government of India’s approach to the Naga political issue. It criticized the government of India for appearing “unmindful to the historic Framework Agreement of 3rd August 2015” while showing interest in Nagas’ mineral wealth, particularly oil and natural gas. The NSCN-IM raised this issue in the editorial column of its bulletin, Nagalim Voice.

The NSCN-IM argued that such actions only deepen the wounds accumulated over the past seventy years of the Naga political movement. It also reasoned that since the sentiment among the Nagas is closely intertwined with the long-standing Naga political struggle, any disregard for this sentiment is likely to provoke strong resistance from the Naga people.

Further, the NSCN pointed out that while India seeks to enhance domestic oil and natural gas production to meet rising demand, it should not trample upon the inherent rights of the Naga people over their land and resources.

“The history of colonialism should not be forgotten in this context as it has left an indelible imprint on India and on Nagas as well. It should not be also forgotten that the era of colonialism is gone and Nagas would not like to see colonialism like exploitation in Nagalim when the talks for Naga political solution is still hanging fire,” it added.

Therefore, the NSCN demanded that the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 be respected and implement it in right earnest without fiddling with other sensitive issues like oil and natural gas.

NSCN-IM asks Assam Rifles to end “false, malicious defamatory war”

Mokokchung, 25 May (MTNews): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) in its bulletin ‘Nagalim Voice’ which was released to the media Thursday evening has strongly criticized the Assam Rifles (AR) for its “false, malicious defamatory war” targeting the NSCN-IM.

The NSCN-IM highlighted the irony of the situation, expressing disappointment that despite the ceasefire agreement aimed at promoting peace, some AR battalions have engaged in a “mud-slinging battle by casting malicious slurs, with all sorts of insulting, unfair and damaging remarks against NSCN.”

According to the NSCN-IM, they have consistently advocated for peaceful coexistence with the AR, but their efforts have not been reciprocated in line with the spirit of the ceasefire. Instead, it said the AR appears to derive pleasure from crossing ethical boundaries and tarnishing the NSCN-IM’s image on various issues.

Providing specific instances, the NSCN-IM referred to recent incidents involving the AR. In Mokokchung district, two NSCN-IM cadres were arrested while carrying out their duties. According to them, the cadres were unarmed but the PRO (Defense) issued a statement falsely claiming the discovery of a “war-like store” in their possession.

It cited another incident where the NSCN-IM claimed it was responding to public concerns regarding fraudsters and drug peddlers in Dimapur. However, the AR took the opportunity to smear the NSCN-IM’s name by using “foul language” such as ‘kidnapping,’ ‘ransom,’ and ‘fake currency notes’, the group alleged.

Expressing frustration, the NSCN-IM questioned the AR’s obsession to “slander the NSCN on any given situation without any substance,” labeling it as “narcissistic tendencies” that only serves to undermine the AR’s own credibility, which it has been “helplessly struggling to establish.”

“We understand AR’s desperation against NSCN. It is an attempt to undermine our credibility and reputation,” the group said and suggested that these attacks are aimed at “distracting public attention from something they are trying to achieve.”

“The irony is, these carefully orchestrated attacks against internationally recognized organizations like NSCN may never succeed in the end, because the truth always triumphs,” the NSCN-IM stated.