Coming out strongly against what it described as the “so called construction of international border fencing in the heart of Naga homeland in eastern Nagaland between India and Myanmar”, the NSCN (I-M) on Friday asserted that the territory of Nagas was in existence since time immemorial even before the formation of union of India and Burma (Myanmar).
NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that the “overnight constructions of Berlin Wall” in the middle of nowhere was an extremely evil expression and an attempt not only to further divide Nagas’ land but also to segregate their aged old tradition, customs, economy and social relationship.
Reminding that the group had earlier also expressed its strong objection to the construction of border fencing in southern part of Nagalim, the NSCN (I-M) said that Naga people have their own territory, customs, tradition, dialect, culture, long history and distinctive identities.
NSCN (I-M) stated that such artificial boundary fencing imposed upon the Naga people was against the will of the people and was gross violation of human rights.
Further, NSCN (I-M) said that despite all the atrocities, the oppression and the secret war waged upon the Nagas both in India and Myanmar, the group, in response to the wishes of the people for peace, engaged in political talks with government of India leading to the signing of Framework Agreement.
However, it said that now on the verge of final solution, the motive of construction of artificial border fencing initiated and funded by the government of India with the “reluctant Myanmar” along the Naga home land was highly questionable and unacceptable.
It asserted that Naga people have the right to maintain and protect their own territory, identity and their own social and political institution. “We shall no longer accept any policy to further divide the Naga family in the form of artificial boundary fencing between India and Myanmar,” the NSCN (I-M) stated, adding that the Nagas would defend their ancestral land at all cost.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (I-M) cautioned that overriding and ignoring the will and interest of the people could raise unfavourable situation with heavy consequences and the sole responsibility would be borne by both India and Myanmar.