The statement of the Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai in Imphal on the Indo- Naga Peace Talks is so compelling that NSCN felt constrained to issue counter- statement to clear such misleading statement. Nothing of what Mr. Pillai said correlates to anything that was discussed during the last 12 years between Govt. of India and NSCN, and in this is a serious dilution of the factual position of the Indo-Naga peace process. Moreover, such statement to emanate from Home Secretary can only be taken as undermining the talks on Political issue that was agreed upon at Prime Minister Level and never at the Home Ministry level. It is however to be noted that since G.K. Pillai has not been involved in the Indo- Naga peace talk he should not be knowing much. But as the Naga political issue is complicated and sensitive, to speak in such unguarded manner is politically immodest. It is highly unethical on the part of Mr. Pillai to distort or misinterpret Indo-Naga peace process at his own whims. This will only cause consternation to the Nagas.
That at no point of time NSCN accepted the importance of the Indian constitution to form the basis for the Naga Solution. No autonomy of any kind was also discussed and understanding reached. Mr. Pillai cannot take such malicious pleasure in feeding the Press that will only create confusion to the public. Such ill- conceived statement stands to be treated as nothing but libelous.
For the Nagas, talks between the Government of India and the NSCN signify two entities. It is a talk between two people at the Prime Ministerial level. The talk is also without condition, which means outside the parameter of the Indian constitution, and talks in Third countries which implies the involvement of a third party that hosts and facilitates the talks.
The recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas by the Government of India means the Nagas are not part of the Union of India and the situation in Nagalim is political, not that of law and order under the Indian constitution.
Ceasefire area coverage without territorial limit as affirmed by the then Prime Minister of India Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee in Osaka,Japan stating that “wherever there is fighting, there is ceasefire. It covers everywhere”is a political standard to govern the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Ground Rules.
Much to the indignation of the Naga people the Govt. of India proved unscrupulous in more than one occasion when the Naga Political issue was entering a critical stage. In this context it may be pointed out that in one particular occasion Dr. Michael Van Walt Van Praag, Executive President of ‘KREDDHA’ (The International Peace Council for States People and Minorities) submitted proposal to the Indo-Naga talk teams for a probable solution. Both the parties agreed to study and work out a solution on that basis, but the Indian team backed out from its commitment the next time. Recently, the Indian representatives proposed an “Interim Arrangement” but again they went back upon their words in the next talks.
NSCN has tabled two proposals to the Govt. of India on substantive issues. However, till date there is no response from the Govt. of India. Time and again NSCN have stated that it does not view India or Burma as the enemies of the Nagas but as potential neighbours in all fields. Accordingly, it looks for a solution that recognizes the identity/rights of the Nagas and safeguards the security of India. However, it is strongly opposed to the merger of Nagalim into the mainstream of India. To the Nagas the history of Manipur is very clear. It is simply the creation of the colonial power that is remotely connected with the Nagas’ political aspiration. And since the inception of Manipur Nagas have been resisting till date. Meiteis are free to go for their own unity but they have no right to oppose Naga integration.
Taking strong exception to the wavering stand of the Govt. of India it is pertinent for NSCN to rue the un-eventful year’s gone bye and the unbecoming statement of Union Home Secretary Mr. G.K. Pillai that miserably failed to carry weight of political correctness. Unfortunately, NSCN’s experience with the Government of India reflects only insincerity, lack of political will and seriousness.
Whatever may be the case, Nagalim belongs to the Nagas. URRA UVIE!
Issued by:
MIP/GPRN
