NSCN (IM) blames Indian government for delay in settlement of Naga political issue

DIMAPUR — The NSCN (IM) has blamed the government of India (GoI) for the delay in the settlement of the Naga political issue.

Addressing the “Prayer for the nation” programme organised by Naga Church leaders and Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) at Ao Baptist Church Diphupar on Wednesday, Deputy Ato Kilonser of NSCN (IM), Lieut. Gen. VS Atem said the Naga political issue remains unresolved due to the policy of the GoI despite negotiations being held for a record quarter century.

Besides recognising the unique historical political position of Nagas, the GoI had signed the Framework Agreement with the NSCN, based on shared sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of the two entities — India and Nagas – at the chamber of Prime Minister of India and telecast on Aug. 3 2015, but “for reasons best known to the GoI”, they have not been able to work out details for a final solution, he said.

“Nagas cannot accept any form (of solution) that compromises our national rights to have our own flag and our constitution” he affirmed.

Despite of all the hurdles, he said “we have firm faith that God has a purpose for the Nagas” and that “we will continue to march on” with the conviction that God will continue to perform miracles.

“With this conviction, we implore the servants of God to lead us today in prayer. Pray for us especially our chief negotiator Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah. Also pray for the Indo-Naga issue, pray for the Indian leaders and also the Nagas as well,” he appealed.  Addressing the gathering, Chairman of NSCN (IM) Q Tuccu said: “We have adopted Nagaland for Christ, and today, gathering here signifies our obedience to the voice of God.”

He stressed obedience to God and taking decisions by completely surrendering to his authority.

“To achieve the objective of our mission, we need to collect ourselves like the way we have gathered here today. But the best way to establish any coalition is to connect to God first. Let us always try to establish connection among us through God’s connection” he told the congregation.

During the programme which was attended by a host of Church leaders from Nagaland and neighbouring states, prayer of blessing was pronounced for collective leadership, Indian authorities, Indo-Naga peace talk, Naga unity and persecuted Christians in India.