DIMAPUR, Jan 21: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has reiterated that the Indo-Naga conflict is fundamentally political in nature and has expressed serious concern over what it described as a lack of genuine political will and sincerity on the part of Indian leaders to resolve the issue.

In a statement titled “The Crux of Indo-Naga Issue” issued on January 20, the NSCN-IM criticised the Government of India for repeatedly attempting to portray the Indo-Naga political problem as a “mere domestic issue of India,” warning that such an approach undermines the prospects for an honourable and acceptable solution grounded in the Framework Agreement signed by both sides.

The outfit stated that Indian and Naga leaders have engaged in political dialogue as two distinct entities for nearly three decades. It strongly objected to the use of terms such as insurgents, rebels, terrorists and secessionists to describe the Naga people, calling these labels misleading and indicative of what it termed a “double standard” adopted by Indian leadership.

The NSCN-IM asserted that the Indo-Naga conflict stems from what it described as invasion and forced occupation of Nagalim by India and Myanmar. It maintained that since there was no consensual union between the Nagas and India, the question of secession does not arise. “We have been fighting a war imposed on us by India,” the statement said, describing the conflict as a resistance movement against imperialism and a struggle for Naga self-determination.

Tracing the roots of the conflict to British colonial rule, the group noted that while the British occupied parts of Naga territory, other areas remained independent. Following the British withdrawal, it alleged, the Government of India attempted to annex Nagalim through military force, which was met with fierce resistance. The statement accused India of indiscriminate killings, fostering internal divisions and attempting to dilute Naga nationalism through development funds, but claimed such measures failed to weaken the Naga movement.

Warning against repeating historical mistakes, the NSCN-IM said that while Nagas are sincere and committed to their word, they respond firmly when “insulted, provoked, betrayed or attacked.”

Reaffirming its preference for a peaceful resolution, the organisation quoted its chief negotiator Th. Muivah as saying, “We believe in political solution. We are for a negotiated settlement.”

The statement placed particular emphasis on the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, describing it as a historic accord that recognises the “unique history of Naga independence.” It stated that, based on democratic principles, both sides agreed that sovereignty lies with the people and that the sovereignty of the Nagas rests with the Naga people.

The NSCN-IM further claimed that the Government of India has recognised Naga sovereignty and the legitimacy of integrating all Naga areas. It said the agreement also acknowledged the coexistence of two entities sharing sovereign powers and affirmed Naga ownership over land and its resources, both on the surface and beneath.

Urging that the Framework Agreement be upheld as the foundation of Indo-Naga relations, the NSCN-IM concluded by stating that the accord represents the culmination of commitments and assurances made by seven former Indian Prime Ministers as well as the incumbent Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.