Dimapur, August 3 (MExN): The Chairman of NSCN (IM), Q Tuccu, on Monday asserted that the historic Framework Agreement (FA) signed with the Government of India (GoI) on August 3, 2015, must remain the “basis of solution” for the Naga political issue, stressing that any attempt to seek a solution outside its framework would be a “futile exercise.”
Addressing a commemorative event on the 10th anniversary of the signing of the agreement, Tuccu reiterated the organisation’s unwavering commitment to Naga sovereignty and independence, even as he expressed growing concerns over “deliberate delay” in finalising the agreement and alleged attempts by the Indian government to interpret it according to its convenience.
“Ten years have passed since the Framework Agreement was officially signed in Delhi, recognising the unique history of Naga independence and the sovereignty of the Nagas,” Tuccu said, paying homage to late leader Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th Muivah for bringing the issue to the Prime Ministerial negotiating table.
Main clauses reiterated
Clarifying on the “distortions and disinformation” surrounding the FA, Tuccu said it was a “bilateral talk for a bilateral agreement.” He highlighted several mutually agreed points from the pact:
“The Framework Agreement clearly states that the Nagas have the unique history of independence. Based on the universal principle of democracy, it is mutually agreed that sovereignty lies with the people, and that the sovereignty of the Nagas lies with the Naga people. It recognises the Naga national entity. It also says that the Nagas and the Indians will coexist as two entities sharing sovereign power,” he stated.
Tuccu further asserted that the FA recognises Naga ownership over their land and resources. “It is also mutually agreed that Nagas are the owner of their land, and that anything on the surface of the land and beneath it belongs to the Nagas. About integration, it says integration of all Naga areas under one political roof is the legitimate right of the Nagas,” he added.
The NSCN (IM) Chairman noted that the GoI has recognised NSCN as the “only authentic political organisation of the Naga people,” and that the erstwhile “unlawful” Naga government and army are now “recognised entities.”
On the issue of integration, he said alternative political institutions called NRTC (Naga Regional Territory Council) would be instituted in Naga areas of Manipur, Arunachal and Assam for some time till the integration issue is settled.
“NRTC is transitional. The competency draft is a proposal yet to be finalised. Our honourable Chief Negotiator, Th Muivah stated in a public meeting that ‘we will come back to you before finalisation of the agreement,’” Tuccu said.
He also mentioned that the GoI has proposed to institute a ‘PAN NAGA HOHO’ to deal with Naga culture, customs, literature and languages.
Concerns over delay
Expressing disappointment over the lack of progress a decade after the signing, Tuccu alleged the central government of employing delaying tactics.
“There are growing concerns that the stand of the Government of India is becoming unsteady, and that there are attempts to interpret the Framework Agreement according to their interest and convenience. There are paid writers and propagandist of the adversaries polluting the minds of the people. There are also some demagogues who incite conflicts so that they can fish in troubled waters. We should not fall prey to such schemes,” he cautioned.
Tuccu reiterated the NSCN’s firm stand, stating that the Tatar Hoho has resolved multiple times to uphold the FA “in all circumstances and at all costs.”
“We reiterate our stand that ‘The Framework Agreement’ must remain the basis of solution. Any attempt to seek a solution apart from the Framework Agreement will be a futile exercise,” he declared.
He also alleged “some Indian leaders” of still employing “colonial-based policies” and seeking an escape route to overturn the agreement. He alleged that India had recently resorted to “inciting its surrogate Kuki mercenary forces to fight against the Nagas,” and called upon all Naga political groups and people to stand with one voice to resist these divisive forces.
“Too many times, the Government of India have imposed bogus accords on the Nagas, but all were rejected by the Naga people. It has taken us more than fifty years to reach this historic Framework Agreement. It is earned with the blood, tears and sweats of the Naga people and must be valued by all,” he said.
On Flag and Constitution
Addressing the issue of the Naga national flag and constitution, which the Indian representative has reportedly questioned, Tuccu said, “Flag and Constitution are constituent parts of sovereignty.
There is no ambiguity about it. Politics is the art of solving problems. We are hopeful and positive that the issue of our flag and constitution, and other pending issues will be settled through bilateral agreements.”
He concluded by calling upon all NSCN cadres and the Naga people to remain steadfast in their revolutionary journey and to defend the hard-earned agreement against adversaries within and without. “We shall never allow anyone, any organisation or government to distort or destroy the hard-earned Framework Agreement,” he affirmed.
