EMN
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 13
The NNC/FGN has stated that any agreement arrived between the NSCN (IM) and New Delhi would be “invalid” because the Naga people have, at no point of time, given the mandate to the NSCN (IM) or any other group other than the NNC to negotiate for the Naga issue.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the NNC/FGN (S.Singnya, Kedahge group) asserted that consultative meeting(s) could not be equated with mandate. “If the NSCN (IM) wants to negotiate anything with the GOI, then they should, in the first place, get the mandate and support of the people.
“As things stand presently, they have done just the reverse – entered into some kind of agreement, without the prior consent of the people and trying to get the approval of the people to legitimize their decision.
The situation is like two young lovers deciding to start a family without first getting married. The marriage ceremony is required for any legitimate claim of their relationship after meeting certain conditions and for the recognition of their children as legitimate children,” it stated.
The NNC/FGN pointed out that originally, the Naga people have given their mandate to the National workers to fight for the recognition of Naga independence and sovereignty. “Anything short of this cannot be considered as the final solution by the Naga people. However, if there are obstructions, real or perceived, then the people should be consulted before making any decision or agreement.
“There seems to be a mismatch between the aspiration of the Naga people and the supposed content of the Accord. On the contrary, the Accord seems to serve the interests of NSCN (IM) and the GOI more than the interest of the Naga people.”
It stated that the response from the Naga people after the signing of the “framework agreement” gives a clear indication that NSCN (IM) does not enjoy the full confidence of the people. “Every responsible organization has been pressing for the inclusion of all NPGs in the ongoing Indo-Naga talks.
“If there is one single reason for welcoming the Accord, it is due to the fact that the GOI seemed to have taken some concrete step towards addressing the Indo-Naga conflict with a changed perspective and strategy,” it observed.
Therefore, any solution that bypasses the general will of the people is dishonorable and unacceptable, it added.
“NSCN (IM) is just one of the groups. They do not represent anyother NPGs apart from themselves. No agreement between any single group and the GOI can be treated as Indo-Naga Agreement. If any agreement is happening between any single group and the GOI, like surrendering in exchange of some governmental benefits, Nagas have nothing much to say unless it concerns the rights and future of the Naga people.
“However, Nagas have everything to say if such agreement is interpreted as an agreement between the Naga people and the GOI. No agreement between the GOI and the NSCN (IM) should infringe the rights and the interest of the Naga People about which the NNC/FGN are still willing to press on.”
The NNC/FGN asserted that it is fully committed to the Naga cause to protect and defend our honor. “We can speak for ourselves and we are very clear as to who and what to represent. To that end, we do not recognize anybody speaking for us or for the Nagas. This does not mean we oppose any talk between GOI and any group.
“That should happen in a democratic country. But our ability and right to speak for ourselves should not be questioned. We are open to dialogue, but that does not mean we are to accept anything and everything that has been imposed on us or the Nagas.”
