NSCN (IM) seeks third-party intervention to break Indo-Naga deadlock

Threatens resumption of violent armed resistance if Centre rejects proposition 

DIMAPUR — Alleging betrayal of the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement by the government of India (GoI), the NSCN (IM) has suggested a third-party intervention to resolve the deadlock—and warned that rejection of this overture would lead to resumption of “the violent armed resistance against India.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the General Secretary and Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN (IM) Th Muivah said that the Centre’s betrayal was in the form of its refusal to recognise and acknowledge the Nagalim sovereign national flag and Nagalim sovereign national constitution.

“Nagalim and the NSCN will not wait forever for the Gol to respect and honour the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, neither shall we wait for the Gol to recognise and acknowledge Nagalim sovereign national flag and Nagalim sovereign national constitution in the political agreement,” the statement read.

Following this ‘betrayal,’ Muivah said, the Centre would attempt to impose conditions and terms of surrender on NSCN (IM).

“Nevertheless, even if the odds are against Nagalim and the NSCN, we shall take whatever steps are necessary according to the decision mandated by Nagalim and the Naga people to protect and defend the ‘Nagalim unique history’, ‘Nagalim sovereignty and freedom’, ‘Nagalim sovereign territory’, ‘Nagalim sovereign national flag’, and ‘Nagalim sovereign national constitution’, by whatever means, including armed struggle.

“In order to conclude and realise an honourable political agreement, we rule out peaceful means against the ignominious betrayal of the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 by the GoI. However, in the first place, we propose a third-party intervention to resolve the betrayal of the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, but if such a political initiative is rejected by the Gol, the NSCN shall resume the violent armed resistance against India for defending the Nagalim unique history and her sovereign existence,” it read.

According to Muivah, the resultant violent confrontation would be purely on account of “the deliberate betrayal and breach of commitment by India and its leadership to respect and honour the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015.”

“Therefore, India and its leadership shall be held responsible for the catastrophic and adverse situation that will arise out of the violent armed conflict between India and Nagalim,” he said.

However, if the Centre sincerely desires an honourable political agreement, it must respect and honour the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, “whereby, amongst others, the Nagalim sovereign national flag and Nagalim sovereign national constitution are officially recognised and acknowledged in the political agreement,” he maintained.