Mokokchung, 24 January (MTNews): In a vehement response to the recent decision by the Government of India to abolish the “time-honored” Free Movement Regime (FMR), the NSCN-IM has labeled it a “rude shock” to the Nagas, stating, “NSCN will not allow the proposed boundary fencing” that will further divide the Naga family as a nation.
In a statement, the NSCN-IM compared the move to the historical division of the Nagas in 1953 by then-Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru and Burmese Prime Minister U Nu, expressing its strong disapproval. It argued that the Nagas have never accepted the arbitrary international boundary demarcation imposed by these leaders.
“The Nagas living on either side of the so-called international border have remained as one family defying all the odds. As one family, Nagas need free movement from both sides,” the NSCN-IM asserted, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of the Naga people.
Addressing concerns about illegal immigrants, the NSCN-IM in its statement issued through its MIP (Ministry of Information and Publicity) declared that Nagas would take charge of controlling any illegal immigrants on Naga soil themselves.
“We will not allow any illegal immigrants in our territory. NSCN is completely against boundary fencing in our lands that violates our rights as one family. Simply put, NSCN will not allow the proposed boundary fencing that further divides the Naga family as a nation,” the statement read.
The NSCN-IM emphasized the Nagas’ awareness of the historical narratives of the Naga nation that transcends international barriers imposed by the Indian and Myanmar governments without consulting the Nagas. It described the past and present injustices as continuing to haunt the Nagas.
“Ironically, the nature of the boundary demarcation was so cruel that it runs right through the house of Longwa King in Mon district. Nothing can be crueler than this while dividing the Naga family,” it added.
Highlighting the organization’s founding principles, the NSCN-IM stated that the Naga political movement aims to defend the historical and political rights of the Naga nation.
“The Naga political movement came into existence with the avowed stand to defend the historical and political rights of the Naga nation and put to an end the hegemony of the government of India and Myanmar in the manner that is acceptable and honorable,” it said.
It also said that Nagas are indigenous people with “high level of political consciousness, cultural and social cohesion.”