DIMAPUR, May 12: In an attempt to clear the air of confusion on the Framework Agreement signed between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India on August 3, 2015, top NSCN-IM leaders from the State of Nagaland stated that the Framework Agreement which “embraces all Nagas and their territories is based on the uniqueness of Naga history”.
The NSCN-IM leaders from the State of Nagaland numbering 81 in total issued a joint press statement today saying the Framework Agreement speaks about mutual recognition of sovereign rights of the two people clearly stating that sovereignty of the Nagas lies with the Naga people and the sovereignty of India lies with the Indian people. According to the joint statement, the Framework Agreement also speaks about recognition of the Naga identity and territories.
“But, the authors of the agreement did not stop there. They further took the commendable step in making the wise decision for co-existence and shared-sovereignty of the two entities in order to arrive at an honorable and durable solution. Rest assured that this agreement does not betray the principle of the Nagas; it will protect the right of the Nagas and guarantee the security of India as well; it will promote and strengthen harmonious interdependent relationship of the two Nations. We are confident that it will open a great opportunity for the Nagas to develop themselves into their fullest size – materially, intellectually, spiritually and socially,” said the joint statement of the NSCN-IM leaders from the State of Nagaland.
It said that history will speak of the fact that the Nagas are a sovereign independent people from time immemorial. “Of course, in the early part of the nineteenth century, the British imperialist forces occupied a part of Nagalim after 48 years long bloody confrontations with the Nagas,” it added. However, the rest part remained free from any alien power, which was called ‘Free Nagas’. It is also a fact that the Nagas from the British occupied areas declared their independence on August 14, 1947 a day ahead of India and united with the ‘Free Nagas.’ The principle of ‘free Nagas’ is the foundation of Naga politics and their unique history. The plebiscite conducted in 1951 was a reaffirmation of the stand of the Naga People on their National principle, the joint statement also said.
“Ours is a case of invasion and that it is a resistance movement against the aggressor States of India and Myanmar in defence of our National principle. Our negotiation with the Government of India (GoI) is principle-based. So obviously, solution to the problem will also be principle-based,” the statement said.
“We reassure our neighboring peoples and Nations that the Nagas bear no ill-will towards any of them. The Nagas are for a harmonious interdependent relationship with them but on equal footing. Framework Agreement is about the Indo-Naga political issue. It is about the issue of the Nagas and their territories,” the statement also said.
According to the joint statement, the Naga people are not opposed to their issues. It added that they are for a peaceful and harmonious relationship with them on the basis of mutual respect and recognition of their respective rights.
Source: The Sangai Express
