NSCN-IM says Naga Peace Accord signed with PM Narendra Modi government recognised Naga sovereignty

GUWAHATI: The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muviah) has sought to clear doubts over the Naga Peace Accord signed with Narendra Modi government, stating that both the parties agreed that the sovereignty of the Nagas lies with the Naga people and sovereignty of India lies with the Indian people.

The Union Government and Northeast India’s oldest rebel outfit NSCN-IM signed framework agreement on August 3 in New Delhi. There has been pressure on NSCN-IM leadership from different quarters to make public the details of the agreement. Even Northeastern states including Assam and Manipur were asking the Centre to make the agreement public.

NSCN-IM explained that the framework agreement is based on the uniqueness of Naga history. "With a view to solving the Indo-Naga political problem both the parties agreed to share sovereign power for an enduring and peaceful co-existence of the two entities," NSCN-IM said in a statement.

"The agreement also says that land and its resources of both below and above the earth totally belong to the Nagas. The Nagas will have the right to exercise their sovereign power over their territories. Nagas are the master of their land. Our identity needs to be recognized otherwise we will always be exposed to the danger of assimilation, aggression and annexation by any states," it said.

Doubts have been expressed if the NSCN-IM gave up its demand on sovereignty. The NSCN-IM said: "It is acknowledged by all that NSCN is the authentic organization of the Naga people, not a faction as supposed by some. No one should doubt that NSCN is the embodiment of the Naga national trust inasmuch as NSCN is built upon the rock of national decision."