Integration of Naga areas a must: Muivah

"Nagas’ desire to live together is natural. This is their rightful aspiration. It must be respected."

Thuingaleng Muivah has not given up his Nagalim concept.Unification of "Naga territories" and their national identities are "non-negotiable", he told a Netherlands daily.

Elaborated the NSCN (I/M) General Secretary thus: Integration of Naga areas is a must. The destiny of the Nagas must be left to the Nagas themselves.

What about the peace negotiations? "We are committed to peaceful means for a solution. But the Indians’ commitment leaves much to be desired despite assurances.

How realistic is greater Nagaland or Nagalim? Muivah replied: "Such a question doesn’t arise. Nagas along with their homeland were divided arbitrarily by the British and the Government of India."

Added Muivah: Nagas’ desire to live together is natural. This is their rightful aspiration. It must be respected. Is it not an insult to talk of a solution keeping the Nagas divided against their aspiration?

What about reports of forced collection of taxes at gun point?

Muivah replied: yes it is true people of Nagaland are over taxed. But then all this is a by-product of the Government of India.

What about Shillong Accord?

"The Naga National Council (NNC) had totally betrayed the (Naga) national cause to India in the notorious Shillong Accord. Therefore, the issue is no more with them. But the Government of India is still "propping them up" disturbing the people and the patriots".

The NSCN (IM) General Secretary said the "Khaplang group" also betrayed the cause in 1988 when the latter declared that the Indian troops were not their enemy. "Since then they collaborated with the India armed forces fighting against us, the NSCN who have steadfastly defended the right of Nagalim to date. Therefore, the national issue is no longer in the hand of the Khaplang group either."

Muivah is angry that the Government of India still gives them free hand to "collect taxes" from the people at gun point purposely to "undermine our hold on the people."

The NSCN (IM) leader said in spite of such an adverse state of affairs, they always had the people with them. "People are our mainstay at all times".

Muivah dismissed as untrue the allegations that the newly installed NPF-led DAN Government in Kohima is the political face of the NSCN (IM). "Such allegation was hatched by S. C. Jamir to cover up his shame of defeat".

He went on to add: "None in the NPF was supported from our side nor have we ever participated in the India sponsored election. We did not even finance any of the NPF candidates."

Will the NSCN (IM) lay down its weapons? If so, when?

Muivah said: "Nagas under the leadership of the NSCN will never lay down from their hands three things: Their arms, their freedom and their territories." 

Although talks are on ( with New Delhi), Muivah felt that so long as occupation of Nagalim by the Indian armed forces continued, there would be no ‘change for the better’ whatsoever. But when India respected the reality of the Nagas and stopped suppressing the truth, a change was inevitable and that change would be certainly for the better, he added. 

However, Muivah’s interview has surprised many. During the Delhi round of talks, Muivah himself assured the negotiators that he would talk to the Meitei leaders to know their minds and also to explain the position of the NSCN (IM). From the interview, it appears that the NSCN (IM) supremo has forgotten the promises he made in New Delhi.
             
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