Centre has lost its statesmanship in dealing with Manipur issue: NSCN-IM

GUWAHATI: NSCN (IM) hits out at Centre and congress led Manipur government. The outfit stated it is seriously committed to finding a peaceful solution, the Government of India seems to have lost its statesmanship in dealing with the issue and presented the existing problem in Manipur as an example.

The mobile data service and internet service will suspended in the wake of violence on December 18 last is likely to be resumed from Friday.

Last year NSCN-IM and government of India signed framework agreement. Manipur is reeling under the blockade imposed by United Naga Council ( UNC) in its two highways since November 1 last. It is alleged from different quarters that NSCN-IM is backing the movement which has crippled the economy of the state.

NSCn-IM stated that the current problem in Manipur has been created by Chief Minister O Ibobi singh out of his sheer desperation and added that it is at his behest that the Government of India has sent additional Central forces against the Nagas.

“This is a clear example of the nexus between Chief Minister O Ibobi and the Government of India. Where is the sincerity of the Government of India to solve the Indo-Naga problem?”

The outfit stated that Nagas will never accept any imposition. The creation of new districts out of Naga territory without their consent is a deliberate act to suppress the rights of the Naga people. “Governor Dr Najma Heptulla obviously gave assent to the creation of the seven new districts with the blessings of the Centre, claimed the outfit and added that this is more than clear that New Delhi is using O Ibobi to “please the Meiteis at the expense of the Nagas”.

NSCN (IM) said that it would be wise on the part of the Government of India to seek a realistic approach to the Indo-Naga issue. “The Indian leadership must realise the futility of using armed forces against the Nagas lest the hard earned peace process is rendered meaningless”.

The outfit added that the refusal of Chief Minister O Ibobi to come forward for a tripartite talk is bound to invite an endless confrontation. “Is not the current volatile situation created by Ibobi a deliberate attempt to sabotage the progress of the talks?

NSCN-IM further said that the all-out support extended to O Ibobi by the Central leadership has created a trust deficit, maintained the outfit and added that is surprising that the Government of India is allowing him to disturb the peace process at this crucial stage.

The outfit maintained Nagas will defend their ancestral land at any cost and therefore they cannot be blamed if the worst were to happen. The Government of India has deliberately chosen to support the Government of Manipur, some Meitei civil societies and Meitei insurgents who “humiliated and destroyed properties of the Nagas in Imphal valley and are desperately trying to derail the peace process,”.

UNC meanwhile has decided to intensify the ongoing movement. S. Milan, General Secretary of UNC told ET, “We will not allow the new districts to function in Naga areas. Nagas and their land are inseparable.”