Tuccu appeals Nagas to rally around

"We are aware that forced union will certainly breed fighting and killing within the box. The government of India is creating fear psychosis in Nagalim by deploying thousands of armed forces personnel. We do not see war situation here"

Dimapur, Oct. 19 (EMN): Facing a resolute Indian government bent on putting an end to the Indo-Naga talks by this month without acceding to the demand for Naga flag and constitution, the ‘yaruiwo’ (chairman) of NSCN (IM) Q Tuccu has sounded a rallying cry to the Naga people. “We are one by blood, by history, by culture, by faith, by politics and above all, we are the Lord’s people. The name of the Lord is in our people and land. We are now entering a new era where together we will build a land of peace and progress; together we face the common dangers, together we work and live for a common cause, and together we glorify the name of the Lord,” read a statement from Tuccu on Saturday. According to him, the ‘framework agreement’—signed between the government of India and NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015—is the meeting point for the two contending parties and the rallying point for the divided Nagas. “The ‘framework agreement’ will certainly bring an honourable and acceptable solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga political conflict as it addresses the security concern of India as well as the historical and political rights of the Nagas. It will open up a new era of harmonious peaceful coexistence for the Indians and the Nagas. “Since the Framework Agreement is issue-based, I believe every sensible and patriotic Nagas will be for it. We do not see any valid reason to go against it when the government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim have reached an acceptable solution that touches the heart of the matter,” the statement read. However, he said, at no point of time did the Nagas agree to live within the Union of India. “We are aware that forced union will certainly breed fighting and killing within the box. The government of India is creating fear psychosis in Nagalim by deploying thousands of armed forces personnel. “We do not see war situation here. The spirit of peace dominates the hearts of the people for 22 years, which I believe, is a prelude to a permanent peace in the land. If government of India chooses military option to dictating the negotiating team, that will not be the end of the matter. The issue will remain alive and kicking. The Nagas are always for a negotiated settlement based on the doctrine of mutual consent and recognition of rights. I believe the present Indian leadership will not commit the mistake of their past leaders,” Tuccu said. He reminded that the government of India has recognised the sovereignty of the Nagas ‘stating that sovereignty of the Nagas is with the Naga people’. However, the Nagas and the Indians will not be totally separated, he added. “The two people will live together on the basis of the principle of coexistence of the two entities with shared-sovereignty. Two entities mean two people. The term coexistence naturally applies to two entities or more. If the Nagas are to merge with the union of India, then the Nagas and Indians will become one entity, and that the question of two entities does not arise. “In the subsequent talks on competencies, the government of India has recognised the territories of the Nagas by stating that Nagas are the owners of their land and its resources beneath and above the land. The government of India has also clearly stated that integration of the divided Naga territories is the legitimate right of the Nagas and that it will be materialised through democratic process,” said Tuccu. After coming ‘so close to the point of conclusion’, he said, the negotiators are now facing hurdles on the issues of Naga flag and constitution. The Indian authorities who deal with the talks are also well informed that the Indo-Naga political solution without Naga flag and constitution is not conclusive and that will create a room for ‘future headache’, he said while adding that ‘we are looking for a lasting solution’. The NSCN (IM) chairman also observed that ‘gossiping of deadlock of negotiations, mudslinging game, and rumour of war are the talk of the days’. “We must be aware of rumourmongers and opportunists,” he counselled.