PRESS STATEMENT, the 31st July, 2024: On the coming 9th Anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

Ministry of Information and Publicity

PRESS STATEMENT: Lest we forget

Oking, the 31st July, 2024

As we are going to observe the 9th years Anniversary of the historic Framework Agreement signed on the 3rd August, 2015, it is wise to recall our glorious national struggle and the importance of political achievements lest we forget.

Naga nationhood is a conscious decision. Nagas never ever consented to be a part of any other nation and resisted every invasion. When the turn of the world brought about the finest opportunity, Nagas have taken a firm stand and jealously guarded what is theirs. The Naga Club submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission on January 10, 1929 that Nagas should be left alone to determine for themselves.

The Naga National Council (NNC) declared Naga Independence on the 14th August, 1947, one day ahead of India. Nagas were not signatory to the Panglong Agreement of February 12, 1947 which paved the way for the formation of Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) on January 4, 1948. A thumb print referendum in the form of plebiscite was conducted on May 16, 1951 whereby 99.9 % of the Nagas voted to be independent.

It is historical that that the occupational military forces made use of every means available and desperate attempts have been made to crush the Nagas. The Indian state sent thousands of heavily armed troops empowered with Armed Forces (Special Power) Act (AFSPA) into Nagalim, and so also the military Junta of Myanmar. However, Nagas do not accept forcible occupation of their territory including arbitrary bifurcation of Naga territory between India and Myanmar, and further placing of Naga territory into different administrative set-ups either in India or Myanmar.

Undoubtedly, Nagas stood on their solid ground, that Nagas are not Indian or Burmese as the case may be. This has cost us heavily in terms of blood, tears and sweats. It is our pride and honour to be who and what we are. We cling on to our heritage no matter what. This is our glory! This is our legacy!

After fighting for so many years, the Government of India has officially admitted for the first time that military solution was not possible. It is a political conflict between India and Nagalim, and not internal problem of India which required a political solution. Subsequently, GoI has officially invited the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) for political talks and as such a ceasefire was declared on August 1, 1997 on the following principles; THAT THE TALKS SHOULD BE WITHOUT PRECONDITION, AT THE HIGHEST PRIME MINISTER LEVEL, VENUE SHOULD BE IN A THIRD COUNTRY OUTSIDE INDIA and an involvement of a third party is kept open ended.

Following a long earnest negotiation, among others, a very important historic Framework Agreement (FA) of August 3, 2015 was signed between the GoI and NSCN in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Hon’ble General Secretary and Ato Kilonser (the Chief Negotiator) of NSCN/GPRN along with high dignitaries from both the parties wherein the GoI has duly recognized and acknowledged the unique history and sovereignty of Nagalim. We highly praise the political statesmanship of late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah for bringing this milestone achievement of FA which has undone out rightly all the past agreements including the 16 Point Memorandum of July 26, 1960 and Shillong Accord of November 11, 1975.

The FA is a testament of GoI recognizing Nagalim as a sovereign state. Therefore, Nagalim national flag and constitution are integral part of FA and duly recognized and acknowledged in the letter and spirit of FA. The Nagas should treasure and hold on the FA unsparingly lest we miss the sure promise of God. Why should we allow doubt and confusion to seal the doom of our fate? Our course is set: we are very sure and certain of what is ours and what we must be. We shall march forward holding on Nagalim national flag and constitution to the last man standing, come what may.

KUKNALIM!

MIP, NSCN/GPRN