Manipur: NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu asserted that they will not compromise on any issues that contradict the Nagas’ historical rights and aspirations.
In a message, quoted by Newmai News Network, he said the ‘Framework Agreement’ has been concluded with the Government of India on August 3, 2015 and both the entities have agreed to move forward towards a possible meeting point for peaceful co-existence of different competencies which also defines the different stratums of sovereign power that must be shared.
“We are truly blessed and also honoured to say that based on this recognition a ‘Framework Agreement’ has been concluded with the Government of India,” he said.
According to the report, he also said that in the spirit of mutual respect and recognising the universal democratic principle, both the parties agreed that sovereignty lies with the people concerned. The NSCN-IM chairman said that the Naga people have come to a very important juncture of their history once again and it is “time for all us to take a decisive decision for the sake of our future.”
He said the Naga people know and believe that God certainly has a portion for “us here on earth” and so, the time is here for them to stand firm and they cannot afford to make any mistakes or live in a state of confusion.
“The historical force and the change of time favours us once again to correct the mistakes of our own making and also the wrongs committed against us,” Swu added.
“I want our people to understand that our unwavering struggle had eventually made others to respect and accept our historical position and aspiration. Therefore, today from military stage we have reached the political stage. Political negotiation replaced violent armed confrontation and with the official recognition of our unique history and situation on July 11, 2002. We are earnestly in search of an enduring political solution based on that recognition,” Swu stated.
“We know that there will be no solution whatsoever, so long as Nagas are kept divided ignoring their historical and political rights.There is also danger of self defeat if the Naga people’s aspiration is interpreted in terms of the past agreements, like the 16 point Agreement and the 1975 Shillong Accord, which betrayed our cause,” he said, adding “Therefore, when God has given us the best we cannot afford to take wrong decisions again. I and my friend Thuingaleng Muivah together with many of the revolutionary patriots had, from the very beginning taken the decision to uphold the 1951 plebiscite and we also agreed not to waver from our commitment that Nagaland shall be for Christ. We want you to know that we will not compromise on any issues that contradict our historical rights and aspiration.
“Today, at this very important turning point of our history I want my Naga people to know and understand that, the past is past, and that we must all come together in the name of Christ and also respecting and acknowledging our historical and political rights. We must also know that there is a time and season for all things, hence, we must correct all the political mistakes and come together in order to chart out our common future based on the uniqueness of our history,” Swu said.
“My dear Naga people I cannot be with you at this moment because of my delicate health condition but I urge you all to come forward and we shall march forward in a united strength. May God grant us wisdom to take the right decision in order to realize a lasting peace and prosperous future of our people,” Swu said.
“We all know that we still have an enormous task before us but however, we are confident that we shall overcome with the help of our almighty God. I am writing this message to the Naga people in the precious name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ,” he added.