Q Tuccu, the ‘chairman’ of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), alleged that Government of India (GoI) is creating a fear psychosis in ‘Nagalim’ by deploying thousands of armed forces personnel, reports Indian Express on October 21. Tuccu, in a statement, said that even if the Government chooses military option to dictating the negotiating team, that will not be the end of the matter. He stated that “We are aware that forced Union will certainly breed fighting and killing within the box. The Government of India is creating a fear psychosis in Nagalim by deploying thousands of armed forces personnel”. He also added that “The issue will remain alive and kicking. The Nagas are always for a negotiated settlement based on the doctrine of mutual consent and recognition of rights. I believe the present Indian leadership will not commit the mistake of their past leaders”. He also added that “The Nagas will associate with India in many fields as two entities. We understand that the spirit of living together, cooperation and coordination builds the world whereas the spirit of opposition and confrontation destroys it”.
Additionally, NSCN-IM is firm on its demand for separate Naga national flag and constitution even as criticizing the Government of India for ‘backtracking’ from the Framework Agreement, reports Northeast Today on October 20. A statement by retired ‘major’ Hutovi Chishi, the convenor of NSCN-IM steering committee, alleged that “Government of India is now backtracking from the Framework Agreement … signed on 3rd August, 2015 to form the basis for the solution of the Naga political issue. NSCN has stood by the spirit of the Framework Agreement till now”. The statement also added that “Few Nagas have taken the abominable path to support the divisive policy of the Government of India simply for the fulfilment of their selfish and vested interest”.
Meanwhile, Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has assured that any agreement arrived, would be signed on behalf of the Naga people with their consent and in the presence of Naga tribal leaders, reports Nagaland post on October 20. WC, NNPGs stated that “All Naga tribes must be prepared to shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding the lost confidence and trust within us irrespective of the artificial boundary that separates us”.
Separately, RN Ravi the Governor of Nagaland and interlocutor of Naga peace talks held a security review meeting with General Officer Commanding (GoC) Spear Corps, Lieutenant General Rajeev Sirohi on October 19 in Kohima, reports Nagaland Post. According to a press release, GoC discussed the security situation and apprised the governor of the coordination by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles with other state agencies.
Moreover, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh on October 19 reiterated Manipur Government’s commitment to uphold the territorial integrity of the state, reports The Northeast Today. He stated that “The Centre has assured the state government that the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be affected in bringing solution to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks”.