UNPO XVII General Assembly: NSCN-IM finds assembly support for FA

Mokokchung, 25 May (MTNews): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) attended the XVII General Assembly of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) held in Barcelona, Spain from 21 to 23 April. The news of NSCN-IM participating in the UNPO general assembly was published in the latest issue of its bulletin, Nagalim Voice, a copy of which was received here Thursday.

According to the “Resolution on Nagalim” as published, the UNPO general assembly emphasized that the Government of India (GoI) must honor the Framework Agreement signed on 3 August 2015 by acknowledging and recognizing the Naga National Flag and Constitution. The UNPO expressed concern over the current deadlock on this issue, which has emerged since the signing of the Framework Agreement.

The UNPO further called on the international community to “concern itself” with the Indo-Naga political negotiation process, aiming to prevent a return to violent confrontation between India and the Nagas. Such a confrontation, it warned, would have far-reaching negative impacts on peace, democracy, development, environment, human rights, and freedom in the region.

The UNPO General Assembly also recognized Nagalim, represented by the NSCN-IM, as a signatory to the UNPO covenant against “terrorism, extremism, discrimination, and violence in all its forms.”

It also mentioned that, respecting contemporary reality to resolve conflict through democratic means and negotiation through peaceful means, the Government of India and the NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 and started political negotiations. It took note of the GoI’s recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas on 11 July, 2002 and signing of the Framework Agreement on 3 August 2015, reflecting the ongoing efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution.

However, the UNPO expressed deep concern over the GoI’s ‘deliberate misrepresentation’ of the NSCN-IM as a “terror organization” despite the ongoing political negotiations and the series of joint agreements between the two parties. The NSCN-IM has consistently emphasized its commitment to peaceful dialogue and has actively participated in various agreements and negotiations to achieve a mutually acceptable solution.

“This position of the GoI contradicts the series of joint agreements between the two parties,” it observed.

In the General Assembly, Nagalim was represented by Apam Muivah (Maj. Retd.), a Steering Executive Member, NSCN-IM.

UNPO was formed on 11 February 1991 in The Hague, Netherlands. Nagalim as represented by NSCN-IM became its member on 23 January 1993.

Notably, it stated that some founder-members of the UNPO like Armenia, East Timor, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia and Palau have gained full independence and have joined the United Nations as full-fledged members.