Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 14
The ‘ato kilonser’ of NSCN (IM), Th Muivah on Friday rubbished speculations that the outfit has dropped its core issues of sovereignty and Naga integration in the newly signed “framework agreement” with New Delhi as “treacherous propaganda” even as he vowed that the NSCN (IM) “will fight for sovereignty and integration at any cost.”
Muivah delivered this rebuke during his customary address at the celebration of the 69th Naga Independence Day here at Central Headquarters, Hebron. “Remember, without integration there can never be (a) solution,” he declared.
By integration, he said, it means that all Nagas spread across different states and countries must live under one administrative umbrella. Muivah maintained that rumors about NSCN (M) backtracking on the integration and sovereignty were handiworks of “external forces” with vested interests.
He informed that the government of India has responded to the demand for integration by saying “yes, let us see the way to work it out.” Muivah also acknowledged that some “practical difficulties” have to be solved but not at the expense of the Nagas.
“We have told them that every time there is a problem with the neighbors (neighboring states), the government of India, at the expense of the Nagas, tries to please the neighbors. This is an insult to the Nagas,” Muivah said.
In yet another message to the neighboring states, Muivah said that the Naga people will respect the rights of the neighbors. “And they should respect our rights too. Please understand it seriously. We will be good neighbors forever.”
On sovereignty, he said that there was no way the NSCN (IM) would give it up as the whole idea of the Naga freedom movement has been based on that very foundation. “Our unique history and position must be respected. Otherwise there can be no meeting points.”
Prior to that, Muivah had explained that after both the NSCN (IM) and the government of India understood each other’s position, they had agreed to share sovereign powers based on the understanding that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people. “And we decided to call it as framework agreement.”
He exuded confidence that the “framework agreement” would provide “enduring, inclusive peaceful coexistence between the two entities.” Muivah also recalled “in Shillong Accord the worst thing took place and almost everything was lost there.”
He however reminded that the newly signed “framework agreement” has “superseded” the Shillong Accord and would now help shape the Naga destiny. “Are we prepared even today to not make any mistake? That is the hardest question.”
Muivah also shared that it was “high time” for the Naga people to appreciate the wisdom of the Indian leaders. He said that it would be wrong on our part if we decide to turn our backs at a time when the Indian Union is “willing” to recognize and respect our unique rights and history.
Conversely, he reminded the Indian government that “if you respect our history then we will respect your history even ten times more.” Muivah also acknowledged that that the “first initiative” to seek a political solution, as opposed to a military one, to the Naga freedom struggle was taken “from the Indian side.”
To the other Naga underground groups, Muivah once again sent out a reconciliatory message. “Let the past be past and let us forgive each other,” he tendered.
Representatives from apex Naga civil organizations including the Naga Hoho, ENPO and UNC also shared brief messages on the occasion. Different speakers representing Naga communities living separately in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar appealed the NSCN (IM) not to sideline them from the final solution.
