Dimapur, Dec. 28: In the wake of the ongoing unrest in Manipur and the Government of India sending additional security forces to the state, the NSCN-IM has questioned the sincerity of the Central Government in solving the Indo-Naga problem.
Asserting that it is serious and committed for peaceful solution and the issue is pure and simple between the two different entities – the Nagas and the Government of India, the NSCN-IM, in a release issued by its MIP, on Wednesday felt that the Government of India seems to have lost its statesmanship in dealing with the issue at hand.
Alleging that the existing problem in Manipur was creation of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh out of “his sheer desperation”, the release said the Government of India is sending additional central forces against the Nagas “at his behest”. “This clearly shows the nexus between CM Ibobi and the GoI,” the NSCN-IM stated.
Also, asserting that the Nagas will never accept any imposition upon them whether today or tomorrow, it said the creation of new districts out of Naga territory without their consent is a deliberate act to suppress the right of the Nagas.
It further alleged that Manipur Governor Najma A Heptulla apparently had the blessing of the Government of India when she gave her assent to the new districts creation. “Therefore, it is clear to the Nagas that the GoI is instrumental in using Ibobi Singh all along the way to please the Meiteis at the expense of the Nagas,” the NSCN-IM said. “Is this not a treacherous attempt to undermine the peace talks on the part of GoI? Will the Indo-Naga problem be solved through Ibobi Singh?” it asked.
Stating that “We are serious”, the NSCN-IM said the fate of the Nagas will never be placed in the hands of anyone.
According to NSCN-IM, the all out support to CM Ibobi Singh has created huge trust deficit in the central leadership of India. “It is a matter of great surprise to us as the GoI allowed the CM Ibobi Singh to disturb the peace process at this crucial stage,” it said while asserting that the Nagas will defend their ancestral land at any cost. Therefore, it warned, the Nagas can no longer be blamed for the worst to happen.
“Is the commitment of the NSCN for so many years of talks not sufficient for the Indian leadership to trust the Nagas?” it asked. “When the Nagas have come to the negotiating table for an honourable and acceptable political solution, do not chase them away again,” the release stated.
“It is appall ing to see that the GoI has deliberately chosen to support the concerted efforts of the GoM, Ibobi, some of the Meitei Civil Societies and Meitei insurgents who humiliated and destroyed the properties of the Nagas in Imphal valley and are desperately trying to derail the Indo-Naga peace process. How is it that Ibobi et al is given a free hand when the Nagas and India are trying to get the problem solved?” the NSCN-IM added.
