NSCN-IM chief T Muivah, Naga civil society leaders discuss genesis of Naga problem

Leaders of various Naga Civil Society groups gathered today at Camp Hebron, the headquarters of the NSCN-IM, and discussed the genesis of the Naga problem in presence of NSCN-IM General Secretary T. Muivah.

Speaking on the occasion, NSCN-IM Vice Chairman Tongmeth Wangnao said that during the initial stages of talks itself with the Government of India, NSCN-IM’s chief negotiator, T. Muivah had highlighted the significance of the Nagas declaring so-called independence to stake their claim as a distinct entity.

Wangnao said Mr Muivah had also explained to the government negotiators the significance of what he called the Naga Plebiscite of 1951, whereby the Nagas wanted to be recognised as a separate entity. Wangnao claimed that the Government of India ultimately accepted the historical truths that the Nagas were in existence with sovereign identity as a nation even before India’s existence.

Wangnao said that the major basis of the August 2015 Framework Agreement was these two landmark in Naga history, one of which was the so-called verdict of the Plebiscite.

Earlier, top NSCN-IM leader VS Atem, and leaders from the Naga Mothers Association, Global Naga Forum, Naga Students Federation, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Front and Naga People’s Organization, Myanmar, also delivered short speeches.