Nagas ready to fight another war: NSCN-IM

GUWAHATI: Amid the fluid situation surrounding the Naga peace talks with the Centre, principal negotiating party NSCN (IM), in the August edition of its mouthpiece, has said the Nagas have survived after fighting for long and are “still ready to fight another war” if their political rights and history are not respected.
Referring to a near stalemate situation following NSCN(IM)’s recent standoff with interlocutor and Nagaland governor RN Ravi, the editorial in the mouthpiece said, “Nagas have fought long enough and they have survived all the Machiavellian policies from the adversaries. They are still ready to fight another war if their political rights and history are not respected.”
“However, if India is keen on solving the political conflict, it must honour the Framework Agreement in letter and spirit, exhibit confidence and trust on the Nagas and must stop employing militaristic approach, law and order approach and divide and rule policy,” the editorial stated.
Expressing hope, the editorial said, “The position of Naga people is clear; respect and honour the political history and rights of the Nagas and we will respect India ten times more.”
The editorial, targeting Ravi, said, “In his short-term temptation for glory and power, he is forfeiting the most divine mission entrusted on him.” It added, “Nagas respect people who are honourable. But people who play clever and behave like God will surely fall in the pit he has dug for others.”
The outfit said its observation is that the Centre was losing its vision and focus or it is being misled by Ravi.
The Framework Agreement was signed between NSCN (IM) and the Centre in 2015 and the peace process seemed to be on course for a final settlement. But soon hurdles appeared in the form of interpretation of the Framework Agreement, particularly on three key issues of “shared sovereignty, constitution and flag”, after the seven rival Naga groups, called NNPGS, were formed. The working committee of the seven NNPGS has also been made part of the peace talks
The editorial said since 1932, when the British first arrived in Naga areas, the Nagas have “unwaveringly maintained the right to be independent from any external power.”