NSCN (IM) Hits out at Interlocutor R N Ravi over 'They are not Ready for a Solution' Remark

Kohima, March 3, 2020:

Proving that there is still some lingering tension between the Isaak Muivah faction of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has strongly reacted condemned the remarks made by Governor of Nagaland (and Government interlocutor) R N Ravi wherein he accused the group of misinterpreting the Framework Agreement with “new and mischievous interpretations”. Ravi had also alleged that Nagaland's largest insurgent group is "not prepared for a settlement."

The NSCN, via a statement, has condemned Ravi's remarks as "immature" by reiterating that it does not consider the Framework Agreement as “contentious” or ambiguous but one in which the foundation for solving the “decades old Indo-Naga conflict”. Further the insurgent body claimed that the agreement was  “each other’s history and sharing of sovereignty or sovereign powers between two entities.”

Further NSCN (I-M) asserted that during the negotiations Ravi agreed that the proposed Pan Naga Hoho (PNH) shall be part of the political Agreement and recognized that integration of all Naga areas as the “legitimate rights”, and expressed surprise the Ravi had termed the framework as "contentious".

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It also said that during negotiations both sides had “mutually agreed and concluded that the political power of a government including, Legislative, Executive and Judiciary, shall be with the Naga Government” covering all Naga areas with powers exercised by the Naga government “ on the mutually agreed competencies”.

NSCN (I-M) also said that the only contentious issue was the “Naga National Flag”, while the anthem, emblem and insignia were already agreed to by the government of India.

The issue of flag and constitution was not a deviation from the Framework Agreement and the Pan Naga Hoho was in fact, the official proposal of the government of India, said NSCN (I-M).

NSCN (I-M) went on to say that even on several occasions during political talks,, the Interlocutor had proposed that Naga national flag be used in Pan Naga Hoho but which it turned down on the ground that the Naga national flag should be with the Naga government and not a social or cultural body.

NSCN (I-M) also said the final agreement shall constitute a constitution to be “called Yehzabo (Naga constitution), covering the areas of its own competencies”.

On this NSCN (I-M) said it has been sincerely working for a final acceptable and honourable political solution to uphold the national identity of Nagas which include Naga national flag and constitution and so its position was not a misinterpretation or dilution of the Framework Agreement.

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