NSCN(IM) looks for ‘mutually acceptable political solution’

Seventeen years into peace negotiations with the government of India, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim – NSCN(IM) – has said it was looking forward to a mutually acceptable political agreement based on respect for peace and honour.

“A mutually acceptable political agreement based on respect for peace and honour is indispensable to usher in a lasting solution in the region and elsewhere. It will open the floodgates of blessings for both the parties. We assure the Naga people that the NSCN will negotiate respecting the historical and political rights of the Nagas,” Isak Chisi Swu, chairman of the NSCN(IM) in his speech on the occasion of the organisation’s 36th foundation day.

While Swu delivered his speech at the NSCN(IM) headquarters at Hebron on the outskirts of Dimapur on Saturday, the text of the same was released to the media by its publicity wing only on Monday.

Describing the current phase of the peace negotiations with New Delhi as a “compelling and crucial juncture in Naga history,” the NSCN(IM) chairman also said that group was of the belief that the right of self-determination of the Nagas was a righteous cause and inalienable. “We are committed and convicted of the fact that the right of self-determination of the Nagas is a righteous cause and inalienable. It is a God given right and non-negotiable,” he said.

“The issue of the Nagas versus India and Burma (Myanmmar) is not a contest of strength but upholding the historical rights of the Naga people against belligerent powers. The silence of Phizo on the 1975 Shillong Accord created a huge confusion and consequently, in the end, conflict and bloodshed amongst the Nagas.  This history must not be repeated. We will not allow the mistakes of history to be repeated again,” he said.

Describing the NSCN(IM)’s struggle as one against exploitation and domination, Swu sad that theNagas had respected Gandhiji’s non-violence means, but were forced to fight back in self-defence because of the military solution that was resorted to by India and Burma. Leaders after Gandhi had failed to understand the Naga issue, he claimed.

“The post-Gandhi era leadership who did not try to understand the substance of the Naga issue and they had closed down all avenues for peaceful settlement of the issue. Nagas cannot be forced to repeat to defend again through guns. We will not allow any force to dictate terms on us. We will not be forced to lay down our arms and freedom. But we are ready for a negotiated political settlement acceptable to both. The price will be too much if the Indo-Naga issue is forced inside the battle ground again,” he said.