NSCN (IM) takes part in UNPO session

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, Aug 5: The NSCN-IM stated on Wednesday that it participated in the XV General Assembly of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) held at Washington DC (USA) that started from July 31 to August 2, 2020.
“It is a matter of pride for Nagalim as NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagalim) participated (through virtual conferencing) in the XV General Assembly of the UNPO held at Washington DC (USA) held from July 31 to August 2, 2020,” the NSCN-IM said in a press release.
According to the press release, for the first time in the history of the UNPO the General Assembly was conducted through virtual conference due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The NSCN-IM further said that the “Naga delegates led by Lt Gen (Retd) VS Atem, VC (Member of Collective Leadership, NSCN) along with V Horam (Executive Member of Steering Committee), Kihoyi Swu (Kilonser), Ninghor Raikhan (Kilonser) and Asing Shimrah (Additional Secretary) moved the proposal that Indo-Naga political issue be adopted”. Accordingly, the “Naga representatives were privileged to speak on three different sessions”, the NSCN-IM added. Finally, it culminated in the adoption of the resolution after passing of votes in the plenary session on the last day, it added.
According to the NSCN-IM, the resolution read, “Support a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga issue which is just, long lasting, honorable and acceptable to both the sides, calls upon the international community to appeal to India to fulfil its commitments in the Framework Agreement on the Indo-Naga issue, and urges India to repeal acts such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Area Act which overly militarize the situation facing the Naga people”.
The NSCN-IM added, “No less important for Nagalim is the adoption of resolution on the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16”. It further said that the resolution highlights positive instances within the past six years where self-determination issues have been freely put to vote. In this context, according to the NSCN-IM, the text urged the international community to recognize that such forward-looking actions present the best opportunity for the full realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including in particular SDG Goal 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies and to support more such efforts in the future.
The statement then mentioned that “Nagalim represented by NSCN” was admitted into UNPO on January 23, 1993. “Since then, NSCN has been persistently involved in UNPO activities,” it said, adding, “We appreciate the UNPO for its consistent support extended to the Naga people as testified by their resolution number 7 of XV General Assembly of the UNPO”. It further said that the NSCN-IM will continue to extend “unflinching” support to the leadership of UNPO. “The Naga people shall strive to adhere to the principles of UNPO to resolve its political issues through peaceful and nonviolent means,” the statement added.
The NSCN-IM then congratulated newly inducted members into the UNPO fold. The newly inducted members of the UNPO are Catalonia, Guam, Yoruba, The Movement for the river races of Zambesia and Biafra, according to the NSCN-IM press statement.