Raking up the contentious issue of inclusion of Naga dominated areas in NSCN’s demand for ‘greater Nagalim’, the NISC indicated that Manipur must forsake its claim over the territories that are within its limits now but are Naga-inhabited ones.
“Let it be known that the GOI (government of India) is in charge and that it has a ceasefire agreement with the Nagas which incidentally is not limited to Nagaland State only but is between two parties: GOI and NSCN,” the NSIC said in statement.
Urging for an early solution to the Naga issue, it said, “It is not enough to call out for and early solution when the conflict has been raging for more than 6 decades and that13 years of ceasefire were not enough to solve the conflict either. Let’s be credible, straightforward and respectful of each other’s rights.”
It appealed to the Centre to ‘avoid’ the ‘stumbling block thrown in by the leaders of Manipur State, interrupt or abandon the peace process with the Nagas’.
Referring to the recent tension between Manipur and Nagaland over NSCN(IM) leader Th. Muivah’s proposed visit to Manipur, the NSIC sought to put the blame on Manipur for leading to the confrontation between the two neighbouring states.
Pro-Muivah supporters had enforced a two-month long economic blockade on Manipur, which was finally suspended last week following the intervention of the Prime Minister.
“The feud must end and only talks can solve the issue brought on by the Meitei people (of Manipur),” the NSIC said.
“Because Nagas have never been conquered or ever in history did consent to be part of another, read Meitei, state or power, the Meitei dominated Manipuri Government cannot flay the right to self determination of the Nagas.”