'Not given up sovereignty, integration of Naga areas'

Ending speculation about the framework agreement signed with the Government of India recently, NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah on Friday made it clear that the outfit has neither given up its demand for ‘sovereignty’ nor the integration of all Naga inhibited areas as part its negotiation to solve the Naga issue once and for all.

Muivah said this while addressing a huge gathering at the 69th Naga Independence Day celebrations that took place at its Central Headquarters at Hebron, located about 45 kms from Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur on Friday.While the veteran rebel leader assured that the outfit will not compromise on its two core agendas — ‘sovereignty’ and integration of Naga inhibited areas, Muivah also hinted that it is high time to bargain a right deal with the Government of India for the Nagas.

“The Indian side has realised that it is not possible to suppress the Nagas with militarisation and that the demand of the Nagas is a political issue. They have realised that the problem of the Nagas could be resolved only through political will and not through military might,” he said while adding that the realisation by the Indian side is a new beginning.

“We have never given up the demand for sovereignty. Our history is unique, so a solution will also have to be based on that. Otherwise there will never be a meeting point. Sovereignty of the Nagas is the foremost demand,” he said.“But we must also realise that they have their own difficulties. If we keep on opposing the Indian leadership, it will be wrong. We have got to appreciate that they have started respecting our rights and we must understand their difficulties and work together for finding a solution,” he said.

“In negotiations, the main principle is give and take. The Government of India and the Nagas will have to seek solution respecting the sovereign rights of each other,” he said adding that in democracy sovereignty lies within the people.“We are confident that the framework agreement would provide for ensuring an inclusive peaceful coexistence of two entities. Naga dusrakhan thakib, India dusrakhan thakib, nijor nijor power te coexist kori thakib (We will exercise our rights and they will exercise their rights,” said the veteran leader further while indicating a possibility of ‘shared sovereignty.’