DIMAPUR — The NSCN (IM) on Tuesday expressed strong disappointment over what it perceived as India’s failure to honour the spirit of past agreements aimed at resolving the Naga political issue.
“We have taken strong exception given the fact that the Government of India has not handled the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002, and the Framework Agreement in the manner desired by the Naga people,” it said in a statement issued on the eve of ‘Naga Independence Day’.
In the statement, the NSCN (IM) reiterated the Naga people’s historical struggle for self-determination, referencing the 1951 Naga plebiscite where they asserted their choice for independence, their subsequent boycotts of Indian elections, as well as their rejection of both Indian and Myanmar constitutions
“We celebrate Naga Independence Day signifying our rejection of India’s independence of August 15, 1947. It is a symbol of our rejection of the colonial rule over Nagalim. The celebration is Naga people’s political message that our struggle for independence from the post-colonial powers shall continue, until victory is won,” it asserted.
The NSCN (IM) went on to state that the unique history and sovereignty of ‘Nagalim’ was officially recognised by the 2002 Amsterdam Joint Communique, and the Framework Agreement of 2015.
“It is an official recognition and acknowledgement that the Indo-Naga issue is a political conflict and Nagalim is never a part of India and Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) as the case may be,” it said.
However, the government of India has not handled the agreements in a manner desired by the Naga people, the NSCN (IM) said, adding that it would “leave no stone unturned to protect and defend the unique history and sovereignty of Nagalim.”
While sending revolutionary greetings to the Naga people and other struggling nations, the NSCN (IM) asserted that, “It is high time for India and Myanmar to stop betraying and colonising Nagalim and conclude an honourable political agreement with NSCN and the Nagalim.”