Nagaland state is a result of "manipulation and treachery", claims NSCN (IM)

KOHIMA: The Isaak-Muivah faction of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim, condemning the commemoration programme and unveiling of a bust of Dr. Imkongliba Ao, the President of the Naga People's Convention (NPC) at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima, stated that the creation of the Nagaland state is a result of "manipulation and treachery". The bust has been unveiled as part of the 58th Statehood Day of Nagaland.

Releasing a statement ahead of the Statehood Day celebrations, the NSCN-IM said, "The history of Naga political struggle and the ongoing Indo-Naga political talk is a living testimony that the present Nagaland state is the brainchild of a few treacherous Nagas that showed up in the name of Naga People's Convention (NPC) hijacking the Naga issue without the concern of the bona fide freedom fighters."

The insurgent body further claimed that IB (Intelligence Bureau) was at its divisive game after getting hold of a few Nagas, especially Government employees to join the bandwagon, taking the name as Naga People's Convention.

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The NSCN (IM) alleged that the Convention "without the consent, support and participation of the Naga people" arrived at an agreement called the 16-Points Agreement that was responsible for the creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian Union.

"This fragmented the Indian-occupied Naga territories by placing them into different administrative units of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, it said, adding, "However, this failed to stop the political aspirations of the Naga people and the Nagas set off the political struggle with greater passion and determination as testified by the ongoing struggle."

"For such a treacherous act being brought to live in the name of commemorating the formation of Nagaland state we condemn such an act of defiance," it stated. Claiming that the role of NPC was rejected and condemned by the Naga freedom fighters including AZ Phizo, the NSCN (IM) alleged that the NPC's 16-Points Agreement sowed the "seeds of colonialism and division."

"The Naga people shall take the stand never to allow another political hijack to take place when the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks have already signed the Framework Agreement to nullify any agreements of the past," it stated.

"NSCN and Naga people are fully aware of the divisive extraordinary involvement of Nagaland state Governor Mr. RN Ravi behind this commemoration programme in order to justify his all out efforts to protect the 16-Points Agreement at all costs. Thus, Ravi's stand is condemned by NSCN and Naga people," it added.

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