Peace deal should be for Nagas of Nagaland: NSCN(KK)

The NSCN (KK), one of the factions of NSCN led by Khole Konyak and N Kitovi Zhimomi, said on Friday that New Delhi should try to resolve the political issue of Nagas of Nagaland first while making clear that it will not accept the NSCN(IM) peace deal since the issue of Naga integration could create trouble in the region.

The NSCN (KK), a breakaway group from NSCN (K) in 2011, has a ceasefire agreement with the Centre.

“Firstly, Nagas of Nagaland, be it land or people, cannot be sacrificed to fulfill the political aspiration and desire of Nagas living in the states of Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh. Secondly, GPRN/NSCN, shall not accept imposition of NSCN (IM) peace deal in Nagaland because the political future of the tribes of Nagaland is best understood by them alone and therefore it is theirs to decide.

GPRN/NSCN shall, however, respect and appreciate any political arrangement or accord that recognises Naga ethnicity, history, culture and which improves the living standard of our brethren in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. S S Khaplang’s agreement with Union of Myanmar is therefore acknowledged for it is changing the lives of Naga brethren living in Myanmar for the better,” the group said in a statement.

NSCN (KK) further added that ever since the August 3 framework agreement for the Naga peace deal was signed, it has been involved in many close door review meeting with the civil society of Nagaland and feels that issue of Naga integration might destroy cordial relations with other ethnic tribes like the Meiteis, Kukis, Ahoms and Arunachalis.
The NSCN (KK) also tried to reasoned why it is asking for a political solution only for Nagas of Nagaland.

“On September 18, 2010, under the aegis of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), at the highest level summit of Naga political groups at Ikishe Village, Dimapur, Th Muivah declared that inclusive reconciliation among the Nagas was not possible. Again on February 29, 2012, at Agri Expo ground 4th Mile, Dimapur, in front of 50,000 people, he declared that Naga sovereignty and integration was not possible at a present time. The same idea was expressed in other FNR organised highest level events which were all recorded. One thing is clear, NSCN (IM) was working for an alternative political arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur,” the group added.

NSCN(KK) position is crucial and it comes as a disappointment for New Delhi, since it was trying to take the group which has highest number of Nagas of Nagaland with it under the ambit of the framework agreement at some point of time, government sources said.