DIMAPUR — The NSCN (IM) on Tuesday said the Government of India lacks political will to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue and accused Indian leaders of attempting to reduce it to a domestic problem, posing what it termed a threat to an honourable and acceptable solution based on the Framework Agreement.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group said that political dialogue between Indian and Naga leaders has taken place as two entities for nearly three decades and rejected labels such as insurgents or rebels. It reiterated its position that “Nagalim” was invaded and forcibly occupied by India and Myanmar, and said the question of secession does not arise as there was no consensual union.

The NSCN (IM) described the Naga struggle as a resistance movement against what it called Indian expansionism and said the Nagas are fighting for their land, sovereignty, history, identity, culture and faith.

Referring to the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, the group said it recognises the unique history of Naga independence and affirmed that sovereignty lies with the people. It claimed that the Government of India has recognised Naga sovereignty and agreed to the coexistence of two entities sharing sovereign powers.

The statement said the Framework Agreement acknowledges that Nagas are the owners of their land and resources and that integration of all Naga areas is a legitimate right. It also said the agreement is the cornerstone of relations between the Nagas and Indians.

Further stating that Nagas have rejected past accords and peace arrangements imposed on them, the group cautioned that repeating earlier mistakes would be costly. It said the Naga people are prepared both for confrontation and for dialogue, but prefer negotiation as the means to resolve the issue. Quoting its chief negotiator Th. Muivah, the NSCN (IM) asserted, “We believe in political solution. We are for a negotiated settlement.”

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