NSCN-K (AM) offers ‘olive branch’ to GoI

NSCN-K, led by ‘maj. gen.’ (Rtd.) Ang Mai and Kughalu Mulatonu, has once again extended an “olive branch” to the Government of India and its security forces in the Naga-inhabited areas, expressing willingness to forge an understanding rather than engage in all-out war.
In a statement issued by its MIP, NSCN-K stated that while the bilateral ceasefire with Myanmar remained pivotal for “peace and development” in Naga-inhabited areas, a unilateral understanding with India was equally necessary to push forward developmental activities along the Indo-Naga-Myanmar border.
It asserted that as the “sole representative of the Nagas and guardian of the Eastern Nagas in Myanmar,” the NSCN-K bore the responsibility of developing the border areas and the entire Eastern Naga region.
The group maintained that the bilateral ceasefire with Myanmar, signed shortly after the formation of a democratic government there, was significant. Likewise, a logistical understanding with the Government of India was of “no lesser urgency or importance” in fulfilling the demands of the Nagas.
It said that one-way peace would only threaten security, instill instability, and provoke reactive responses.
NSCN-K also observed that the contesting claims of Indian sovereignty and Naga sovereignty had created inimical agendas, escalating decades of collateral setbacks.
Fighting and friction alone, it said, could not settle the issue, emphasizing that diplomacy remained the “final and judicious mantra.”
The group reiterated that it did not intend to disengage from the support of Nagas and civil societies which had backed a bilateral ceasefire with the Centre.
NSCN-K asserted that it was not begging for mercy but exploring a rational and decisive offer.
It called on the Government of India and its security agencies to reciprocate its declaration of understanding on the basis of “quid pro quo.”