While observing good progresses on discourses and inputs on the Framework Agreement and the ongoing peace talk between the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN(IM) from all the stakeholders, it is indeed appreciable to the GoI for not only recognizing the unique history but also understanding the deeper stand of the Naga people on its ‘legitimate right’ for integration.
Such realization on the genuine and inherent stand of the Naga people from the GoI and the persistent pursuance from the Collective Leadership of NSCN(IM), if sincerely adopted on the much awaited Peace Accord between the two entities, the people living in the border areas with other states in particular shall be greatly relieved from untold predicaments of history and such development shall positively reflect the right political standing of the Naga people for generations to come.
The UNTABA (United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas), while standing firmly with all the stakeholders on the inherent stand of the Naga people reiterate its consistent stand in the following manner.
If integration of the Naga inhabited areas and return of all the traditional Naga territories are not included in the present anticipated Peace Accord between the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India(GoI), the accord will have no meaning for the Naga people. It was because of the promise made by the GoI in written Agreement in 1947, Naga people under the then NNC had agreed to join the newly formed Union of India. But due to the failure of the GoI in fulfilling its commitment, the NNC declared unilateral ‘Plebiscite’ in 1951 declaring that Nagaland is for the Nagas only, meaning that the Indians has no claim over Nagaland.
The GoI, instead of acknowledging the right of the Naga people behind the Plebiscite, chose to induct its armed forces with a view to forcibly subjugate the Nagas. Thus ensued the ongoing Indo-Naga conflict for more than 7 decades now.
Now therefore, the GoI should not shift its responsibilities and must seriously reflect on its past failures and sincerely uphold its professed policies and present understanding made so far in bringing about acceptable and honorable Peace Accord with the Naga people by fulfilling its promises made in the ‘9 Points Agreement’. Without doing so, any form of settlement will be a mere eye wash like so many others in the past.
The UNTABA, shall therefore fervently appeal to all the stakeholders to firmly stand on bringing about final Naga political settlement on the basis of historical facts.
Hukavi T. Yeputhomi
Chairman, UNTABA;
Imsumongba Pongen
General Secretary, UNTABA
