GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity
PRESS STATEMENT
Hebron, 13th July, 2019
It is a huge relief that the so-called “Operation Kekru Naga” conducted by the Indian Army at Kekru village under Nungba sub-division, Tamenglong district in Southern Nagalim ended with the Indian Army in general and Assam Rifles in particular rejoicing over the arms and ammunitions stolen from the mobile hide outs of NSCN. We felt comforted lest innocent villagers are victimized. Unfortunately, there is a correction to be made in connection with the arrest of Mr. Thailikpou Panmei by the Indian Army who happened to be a deserter and thus terminated from the Naga national service on 10th June, 2019. There is no connection of him and the stolen arms and ammunitions whatsoever.
What is most painful of the operation in Southern Nagalim by the Indian Army against the NSCN is the involvement of many hands as a part of the smear campaign to put NSCN in bad light under any given situation. Strange is the approach of the Indian Army in this manner by presenting unfounded allegations to the media against NSCN to defile the political sanctity of NSCN. We deplore this kind of desperate attempt to undermine the NSCN at the time of Indo-Naga political negotiation that has entered a critical stage.
Twenty two (22) years is a long period for NSCN to be negotiating with the Government of India for a lasting political settlement. NSCN have come a long way spearheading the Naga people’s movement for their legitimate political and national right. Complex as the Indo-Naga issue is, NSCN patiently endured all hardships, notwithstanding the sinister game plans and provocations throughout. But, no hardships are too big for NSCN to bear knowing well that the stake at hand is something we cannot gamble with. NSCN knows too well of the high price Nagas have to pay in order to find solution for a lasting political settlement.
It is however, a matter of great indignation for the Nagas when insincerity are reflected on the part of the Government of India by way of inciting divisive issues in the states of Nagaland and Manipur or Assam to be weighed against NSCN. Such retrograde options are not going to help the Government of India in solving the vexed Indo-Naga political issue in the manner that will gain worldwide recognition.
Issued by MIP