NSCN-IM hails Naga CSOs

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, OCT 26: In this pressing situation, the NSCN-IM said in a press statement on Saturday that it fully acknowledged the role of Naga civil society groups in “rising to the occasion” when Nagas were confronted with "tryst with destiny". The NSCN-IM also said the way the civil society organizations made their position clear through the media is highly valued and appreciated.
“When the Government of India's interlocutor, RN Ravi went too far enough to underestimate the Nagas in taking care of our legitimate historical and political rights, Naga civil society groups stood up boldly to prove him wrong and to show him to mind his language of divisive tone,” , the statement said, adding, “Thank you all for taming RN Ravi to be moderate and not to resort to unethical psychological pressure using threat”.
The NSCN-IM then expressed gratitude to the Naga civil society groups for “demonstrating your passion and pride” of the Nagas' unique history and situation. “This is the crowning glory of our political negotiations with the Government of India to take us to where we belong,” it said. “This is the foundation that we have built to take us to the solution that is honorable and acceptable,” the statement added.
The NSCN-IM statement then said that the Naga civil society groups have done the right thing to point out where Ravi went wrong. “You have rightfully stood up against economic packages at the cost of our political rights. That is the way to defend political identity of Naga nationhood,” it said. Nagas simply cannot be carried away by any amount of economic packages, it further said. “That is against the sanctity of our God given rights. We have history to learn and the Government of India should open the pages of the past agreements like Shillong Accord and 16 Point Agreement. These agreements are the root cause of the present Indo-Naga political problem. Historical blunders should not be repeated deliberately,” the NSCN-IM statement added.
The NSCN-IM then alleged that RN Ravi had failed utterly to consult the apex civil society organizations of the Nagas. “Is he really sincere to find an honorable solution?,” the NSCN-IM asked.
According to the NSCN-IM, the Nagas have had enough of divisive politics and you all have reminded Ravi to stay clear of playing divisive based solution. “This is the testing time for the Nagas to present ourselves as one in our political aspiration notwithstanding petty politics of lapses. Forgiving each other under the spirit of reconciliation should come into play at this turning point of history,” it added.
The statement also said that the Naga civil society groups have pointed out that honorable and acceptable solution means honoring Naga flag and constitution. The NSCN-IM further said that the Naga civil society groups have also pointed out that Nagas have not gone for so many years of political struggle at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives for getting the economic packages being tabled before the Naga political groups. “We cannot betray our fore fathers and patriots who have shown us the way. We cannot deny our mighty God who has promised us that He will not forsake the Nagas as shown to us by giving the most beautiful rainbow flag to signify our political identity. Many years ago, we have given our commitment to God by adopting the slogan "Nagalim for Christ ". Let us stand firm without wavering and God will do the rest. Thank you all for standing up to defend Naga’s political aspiration,” the NSCN-IM statement added.