The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) on Sunday ruled out entering into any agreement with the Government of India at the expense of the right of the Naga people to live together as one people under one political roof.
“For the Nagas, land, people, political principles and historical rights are inalienable. Hence, their aspiration to live together as one people under one political roof is their inherent right. We therefore assure our people that we will not enter into any agreement at the expense of our rights. We also reassure the Naga people that sovereignty lies with the people and on this principle we will collectively shape our common future by taking the right decisions,” asserted the NSCN(IM) Chairman Isak Chisi Swu in his speech on the occasion of “the 65th Naga Independence Day” celebrated at Camp Hebron, about 40 km off Dimapur town in Nagaland.
The NSCN(IM) Chairman delivered his speech at the fortified central headquarters (CHQ) of the underground outfit in the capacity of “Yaruiwo” (President) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim(GPRN) - the parallel government run by the outfit.
Mr Swu said the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) have agreed to arrive at an honorable political settlement in the shortest possible time. He, however, cautioned that both the parties must be vigilant enough not to allow any divisive elements to sabotage the golden opportunities.
“We have come to the negotiating table with a view to arriving at an honorable political settlement. The official recognition of the Naga unique history and situation by the GoI in 2002 set the political negotiations in the right perspective,” Mr Swu said and added that the Naga people also highly appreciate Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who he said, “stated to go “extra-mile” and to seek “solution outside the box.” “We consider his statement as a profound and genuine commitment towards settlement,” said the NSCN(IM) leader in his speech.
He said that the conflict between the “Indian Armed Forces” and the Nagas began on August 14, 1947 when “the Naga people took a historic decision to remain as an independent nation and subsequently held a plebiscite in 1951 in affirmation of that decision.” The peace dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) began on in 1997.
In his speech the NSCN(IM) General Secretary and Ato Kilonser (Prime minister) of GPRN Thuingaleng Muivah said: “NSCN must take the right decision and now is the time.. Our correct decision will save the nation”.
