NSF accuses Centre of lacking commitment to solve Indo-Naga issue

Dimapur, June 14 (EMN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) accused the Central government of lacking commitment and sincerity to solve the protracted Indo-Naga political issue, stating that it will prove to be ‘counter-productive’.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NSF said that the policies of the GOI to ‘undo everything’ achieved through political negotiations has created distrust in the minds of the Naga people.

“In the present scenario, the NSF is of the apprehension that the worst will happen if the GOI fails to honour its commitment; and exhibit its utmost sincerity by ensuring that the rights and dignity of the Naga people is upheld,” read the statement.

It said that during the 75 years after India’s independence, Naga homeland was militarised; and there were two ceasefire and peace negotiations between GOI and leaders of the Naga national movement.

“We have heard only stories of the first ceasefire, while in the second ceasefire, we the present Naga generation are now living through it. We have also heard and read about earlier Agreements and Accords which were imposed and superimposed to bring in so-called ‘peaceful solutions’ which only created more problems and conflicts, rather than solving the problems.”

“After the British colonials left the Naga country, the Government of India unleashed the ‘dogs of war’ equipped with the most draconian laws, including the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA). The AFSPA was and continues to be destructive to the rights of life. This Act was used and is still used against innocent Naga civilians, the latest incidents being the Oting massacre on December 4 and Mon killing on December 5, 2021,” read the statement.

NSF further stated that it is the insincerity of approach of the Government of India that has brought about this grim situation.

It said that the Naga youth and students will never accept an economic package based on a piecemeal solution.

“Such exercise will only eventually deepen the protracted Indo-Naga problem rather than being the solution the Naga people has long desired. The failed agreements and accords of the past bear testimony to this assertion of ours,” it said.

The federation asserted that Nagas are looking forward to inherit the inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution based on the unique history and situation of the Naga people as assured by the Indian government.

The NSF also urged the PM to stop the divisive role that is being played by various agencies of the GOI from deepening the crisis. It said that these elements would only ‘lead to a fall-out in the ongoing peace process’ and requested to take direct control of the situation in letter and in spirit and initiating talks without any conditions and at the highest level.