NSCN (IM) calls for Naga unity across India-Myanmar divide

DIMAPUR — The NSCN (IM) has renewed its call for Naga unity across the India-Myanmar divide, asserting that there is no “Eastern Nagalim” or “Western Nagalim” but only one Nagalim.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group said the Naga national struggle was aimed at restoring the sovereignty of Nagalim and establishing “Nagalim for Christ”.

While reminding that Naga people had been engaged in the struggle for more than seven decades, the NSCN (IM) maintained that its national principles continued to be sustained by the support and prayers of the Naga people.

Asserting the unity of Naga people, the group said Nagas “are one people” irrespective of where they live. It attributed the division of Naga ancestral territories to the actions of “adversarial forces”, referring to the partition of the territories between India and Myanmar.

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The group called for unity and reconciliation among Naga groups, saying these were essential for the future of the Naga people.

It also criticised forces within the Naga community that, according to it, opposed unity, reconciliation and a political solution based on historical and political rights. The NSCN (IM) described such forces as being aligned with the “common enemy”.

The group stated that Naga people should learn from past mistakes rather than allow history to determine their future, arguing that “the correct action at the right time” could alter the course of history.

Reiterating its stated commitment to peace, the NSCN (IM) said it would pursue peace “but not through capitulation—peace in freedom”.

It called upon Naga people and “comrades in arms”, irrespective of existing boundaries, to come together as “one family, one people, and one nation”.