'Don't impose Constitution on us'

“This time, they (Indian government) seem to be more serious in finding a solution. But we have told them very clearly; don’t try to impose the Indian Constitution on us. The Nagas will never accept that,” Muivah said.

He was addressing the NSCN (IM)’s 30th ‘republic day’ function at the outfit’s truce-time headquarters here, about 80 km from Nagaland capital Kohima.

Muivah said that he had brought to prime minister Manmohan Singh’s attention statements made on behalf of the government on solutions within the Constitution framework.

He said the prime minister had asked him to forget those and said, “Past is past, we have to look to the future, the prime minister told us.”

“I have already told Chidambaram that you don’t respect the rights of the Nagas, and this is creating problems. Chidambaram also told me he was serious. I have faith in his commitment. But I still don’t know whether they will betray us,” Muivah said.

NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu, whose speech was read out in absentia by self styled Lt Gen (retd) V S Atem, convener, Steering Committee, said: “In spite of all the disturbances from different angles, our commitment to continue with the negotiation for a honourable settlement through peaceful means remains unchanged.”

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was formed on Jan 31, 1980 by Isak Chisi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and S S Khaplang opposing the ‘Shillong Accord’ signed by the then NNC (Naga National Council) with the Indian government.

Later, differences surfaced within the outfit over the issue of commencing a dialogue process with the Indian Government and on April 30, 1988, the NSCN split into two factions, namely the NSCN-K led by S S Khaplang, and the NSCN-IM, led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal.

The outfit aims to establish a ‘Greater Nagaland’ (‘Nagalim’ or the People’s Republic of Nagaland) based on Mao Tse Tung’s ideology. Its manifesto is based on the principle of Socialism for economic development and a spiritual outlook – ‘Nagaland for Christ’.

The NSCN-IM primarily consists of Tangkhul Nagas who are in a majority in parts of Nagaland and the hills of Manipur. Its influence inside Manipur is restricted to the four districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong.

The outfit has also established its presence in Wokha, Phek, Zunebhoto, Kohima, parts of Mokokchung and Tuensang districts of Nagaland. It has also been able to extend its influence to the Naga-inhabited areas of North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam and some parts of Arunanchal Pradesh.

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