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08/15/2011: "NSCN slams Nehru on ‘Naga I-Day’Rahul Karmakar/HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times"

NSCN slams Nehru on ‘Naga I-Day’Rahul Karmakar/HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times
Sixty-four years after it declared independence from British India along with Pakistan, the militant National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) has slammed former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for the Naga crisis. "Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru held divergent views on the Naga
political problem. While Gandhi believed Nagas had the right to be independent Nehru wanted to crush them by force," said NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah at Camp Hebron, the outfit's peace headquarters near Dimapur, Nagaland's commercial hub 75 km west of capital Kohima.
Muivah was addressing cadres on the 65th 'Naga Independence Day' on Monday. Nagas had on 14 August 1947 declared independence from British India. Many have resented the 'annexation' by 'colonial India' days later.
"The political right of the Nagas was fully acknowledged by Gandhi," said the NSCN (I-M) general secretary. "But things started to change soon as Nehru did not exercise wisdom and patience and wanted to crush the Nagas by force. Nehru treated the Naga issue in a despicable manner."
According to Muivah, Nehru never considered that the Nagas had a history and political rights. "His stand was to crush the Nagas but he was proved wrong with the Nagas standing undefeated even after more than 60 years," Muivah said.
He added that the Naga problem began to be respected only after the NDA came to power, hoping that the ongoing peace talks with New Delhi would yield a favourable result for the Nagas.
The NSCN (I-M) had declared ceasefire in July 1997 after two decades of a secessionist war with Indian armed forces. Rival outfit NSCN (Khaplang) - it split earlier this year after the 'ejection' of chairman SS Khaplang - too called truce in 2001.
Meanwhile, a security blanket has been thrown across strategic locations in Assam following a threat by the United Liberation Front of Asom (anti-talks faction led by military chief Paresh Barua) to disrupt Independence Day on Monday. In northeastern Assam's Dhemaji district, local authorities have announced an official mourning for 13 children who were killed in a blast the Ulfa executed on 15 August 2004.
Message of the Kedahge Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha, FGN on 65th Naga Independence Day at Oking Kohima on 14th August 2011 Kedahge Gen
My dear Countrymen,
We are thankful to Almighty God who has been ever gracious to shower His countless merciful blessings upon Nagaland. I bring greeting to our people on this occasion of 65th year of declaration of our independence since 1947.
I salute all National Workers of the Federal Government of Nagaland, Naga National Council and our people in general for their unfailing support, endurance and sacrifices in upholding our National Right to this day. It is also our bounding call of duty to remember the fore-bearers, seniors, and colleagues who had sacrificed their lives for our Nation. We pay our respect and honor them all, they were our heroes.
Dear fellowmen, with the declaration of Naga independence on 14th August 1947 by the Naga National Council (NNC), 64 years have gone by and generations are passing away, but the dream of A Z Phizo, Father of the Naga Nation remains as fresh in the minds of his people as the foundations of Naga nation are irrefutable and secured in the hands of God.
India, a mighty nation gifted by its foreign rules, in fact a junior nationality, believing on its own military might attempted without success to annex Nagaland. India intruded into Naga territory in 1954 and continued its forced occupation in Nagaland till today. In the course of way with Nagas dragging on for over half a century, destruction in terms of property, wealth and most of all severely damaging the cohesion of Naga social life has been devastating. Even today the question remains ‘will India continue to evade addressing the Indo-Naga conflict humanely’.
Whatever may be the agenda of the enemy or however may the enemy apply its notoriety over Nagaland, we remain one family and hold the same stand ‘URRA UVIE’ our Home Stead is ours, we shall not be cowed down by India’s evil designs. We are not demanding any thing from anyone. Nagas stand in defense of their own Homeland and their right to be a Nation among Nations.
The world today is changing fast where autocracy and suppression are not tolerated as we see in the case of South Sudan, Egypt and others being transformed and replaced with people’s rule. This modern process of the world is not a strange phenomena in Naga social life this was exactly what we are trying to protect and sacrificing through out our generations. We shall distinguish ourselves by living up to the tradition handed down to us through our forefathers.
As we step on into another historic milestone of our National history, I take the opportunity to call Naga citizens to come forward and join hands unequivocally rededicating ourselves in the service for our nation.
It is God’s providence that this year August 14, 2011 Naga Independence Day falls on Sunday, a day of dedication and prayer to God. I am sure many would be having special prayers for Nagaland and god will surely answer with rich blessings.
KUKNALIM
Aug 14 I-Day message of Naga National Groups Adinno Phizo Morungexpress
I send my warmest greetings to our people as Nagaland commemorate the 64th Anniversary of Naga Independence Day on 14 August.
By the grace of God, despite the prevailing semblance of normalcy, the people of Nagaland today proudly identify themselves as Naga society belonging to Naga nation. Modern Nagaland has confounded the world on account of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) unflinching stand against enemy bully regardless of the unremitting Indian occupation army militarised tyranny in Nagaland since 1954.
Adinno Phizo on 64th Anniversary (1947-2011) of Naga I-Day
On this Independence Day, together let us calmly reflect on being a Naga today, Naga people in political and juridical context, why in conflict with India, the prevailing state of affairs, and the challenges ahead.
Being a Naga today: In today's Connected Age, what goes on in the world can be seen instantly and impact opinion. Many Naga people raises being a Naga today need clarity of understanding. In other words, not who is a Naga but from a perspective of Nagaland as well as Naga inhabited area (NIA). Until NNC was founded in 1946 as the central organisation of the erstwhile "Naga Hills District Excluded Area", the word 'Naga' hitherto served as an adopted generic description of a distinct ethnic group invariably native of a self-governing Village. Then in the aftermath of the Second World War, not to miss a momentous moment of shaping future political map in Asia, Naga sagacious representatives led by A Z Phizo persuaded Naga Regions/Tribes to join and share a common destiny and declared to the world that Nagaland will stay independent in August 1947. Subsequently, under the aegis of NNC, the historic Naga voluntary plebiscite held on 16 May 1951 overwhelmingly (99+%) opted for a single Naga national identity and affirmed to uphold Nagaland independence. Meanwhile, NNC reached agreement with the former Free Nagas in the East for an organic integration and established the Federal Government of Nagaland on 22 March 1956.
However, by a quirk of history, a large proportion of Naga people in NIA remain stranded under the administration of post-colonial India and Burma (Myanmar), respectively.
Thus being a Naga and belonging to Naga nation couldn't have been the same.
Naga people in political and juridical context: Firstly, the people of Nagaland and Naga people of NIA may share a common ancestry but in political context, modern Nagaland is a sovereign nation-state represented by NNC and FGN, and enshrined in the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland, whereas NIA political status is yet to be determined by mutual consensus. And secondly, in juridical context, the sovereign jurisdiction of Naga nation rest with FGN and NNC retain executive independence on foreign relations, treaty and agreement.
Why in conflict with India: from ancient time, Nagaland never shared a common history with India, including during the British India Empire. Nevertheless, before the British imperialist departed, to ensure good understanding for the future, Naga representatives had a series of meetings with Indian leaders in Delhi and in Shillong, Assam. But after a Hindu zealot assassinated the Father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, even though both countries by now independent, India continued to make every effort to persuade NNC leaders to join the fledgling Union of India. Before India officially became a nation, NNC informed the world "the Nagas don't accept Indian Constitution" on 24 January 1950. Thereafter, despite India's strenuous attempt to rope in, the people of Nagaland refused to participate in a foreign First Indian General Election in 1952. From then on India resorted to discredit NNC by any means and brazenly interfered in the affairs of Nagaland.
Incredibly, the Government of India (GoI) clandestinely escalated an undeclared war against Nagaland in 1954. The Naga people will never forget Indian army brutality that had caused the death of over 100,000 Naga civilians, including children, women and senior citizens. In spite of the sufferings and hardships, the indomitable Naga people have weathered the very dark days stoically with hardly any support or help from others.
In the midst of an intense war involving 10 Divisions of the Indian army against Naga Home Guards supported by every Village, at the initiative of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), an international Peace Mission brought about the GoI to enter into an international Cease-fire Agreement with FGN in 1964. Apart from Nagaland. the said Agreement was seen as a catalyst to political awakening of NIA especially those who live under the Indian state of Manipur. Subsequently, GoI unilaterally abrogated the Cease-fire Agreement in August 1972 and "declared" NNC and FGN as "illegal organisations" along with indefinitely placed every village in Nagaland under siege to cut off public support for NNC and FGN.
During 1975 'President Rule' in India, also known as Indian 'Emergency' in order to alleviate the horrendous plight of civilians in the villages, NBCC sponsored Nagaland Peace Council (NPC) succeeded to get Indian 'Emergency' officials and Naga representatives to reach a non-political 'Administrative Agreement'. It was signed by the Governor of Assam, on behalf of India, and non-status Five named Nagas, on behalf of "Underground Organisations", in November 1975. Significantly, in the construction of the entire text of the said agreement, the 'word' Naga and Nagaland were not inserted in a single instance, that left no one in doubt that political commitment was never intended. In pursuance of the agreement, the Indian army lifted the inhuman siege of villages and hundreds of Naga war prisoners in various Indian jails were set free. Moreover, to the great relief of the people a semblance of normal life was restored in the country. On their part, to serve its own agenda India proclaimed it as "Shillong accord".
Post-'Emergency ' rule, the then Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai had a meeting with NNC President, A Z Phizo , on 14 June 1977 in London. He contemptuously said, "I will exterminate all the Naga rebels. There will be no mercy."
Citing "Shillong accord" as its bogeyman the so-called NSCN came about in 1980. What led to the renegade outfit destructive path could not have been more bizarre. It decided that FGN had caved in to accept Indian Constitution on the basis of hearing from the Indian state controlled 'All India Radio' enemy propaganda claiming India to have reached an "accord" with the Nagas during Indian 'Emergency' rule in November 1975. After the bloody massacre of their former comrade-in-arms, it broke away from NNC and FGN and since then targeted the two establishments as its Number One enemy. While wandering in political wilderness over the years the renegade outfit whose sectarian ring leaders could easily be identified as native of a particular NIA in the Indian state of Manipur, were responsible for the dastardly killing of many national workers and over two thousand Naga civilians.
The fundamental stand of Nagaland always has been no nation has a right to trample over the freedom of another nation. Nagaland conflict with India has never been a "political problem" as often expressed by GoI to cover up the real issue of Indian aggression. The fair and honourable solution is Quit Nagaland.
The people of Nagaland have many things to catch up and are ready to play a constructive role among the comity of nations.
The prevailing state of affairs: I applaud our resilient people for their indefatigable support particularly while the imposed paralysis of normal function of our national government, most Naga people have undauntedly shown civic responsibility in incredibly challenging time to ensure discipline and traditional harmony.
In common with other societies, Naga society is no different considering the habit of bickering and squabbling. However, post-1980 Naga society came across a pernicious alien culture of ranting, carping, intolerance, and intimidation, clearly to suit its sectarian agenda on the basis of mendacious nonsense. And yet a section of muddled educated young people and clergymen could be seen flirting along unconcern. Naga society needs to remain vigilant and discerning to stay in the right path.
Nothing can justify dissident renegades willing to sell future Naga nation freedom to another nation. It is a very grave matter and undoubtedly evil.
The challenge ahead: NNC and FGN are responsible for Nagaland, be it foreign affairs or national affairs. I have every confidence in the good sense of our people to look forward to a free and a happy Nagaland.
Nagaland stands ready for whatever the challenge and welcome any independent international fact finding mission whatever ploy GoI resort to deflect growing international scrutiny on its first and protracted foreign invasion against Nagaland. There can be no glory for India to prolong the illegal occupation of Nagaland.

May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie
Adinno Phizo
President

Sharing of royalty from oil & other mineral resources Mr. Moatoshi Ao & Er. N. T. Jamir Morungexpress
“Naga Customary Law Interface the Contemporary State Government of Nagaland Policies on Petroleum and other Minerals”
A land blessed with natural richness, admired by people, loved and protected by the blood and tears of our ancestors, diverse tribes and languages and exquisiteness of festivals, a land we proudly call ‘Nagaland’. We all love our land and are ready to protect our land and its resources as our ancestors have done so. The Naga history has witnessed many transformations and episodes. The current issue on ‘ownership of land and its resources’ is another episode which we the present generation is to encounter and decide the future of our natural resources. As we all are aware that natural resources like minerals and petroleum are conventional source of energy or non-renewable and hence, the exploitation and use of it should be carefully studied and as far as possible minimize its use. A trivial mistake at present may consequence to an irreparable damage in the future. A corollary which not we, but, our future generations have to counter for their survival.
The word ‘oil’ just a three letter word but has almost same value as ‘diamond’. This oil has been the cause of many wars even in the developed and civilized nations of the world. The virus has touched our beloved land. It is sad but true and it is happening before our eyes. We all love our land and its resources and so are ready not to compromise. Custom is the source of our laws and since time immemorial we are governed by custom. Since time immemorial we neither require any permit nor pay taxes or royalty to any authority for the resources exploited from private land for instance, log, bamboo, coal, agricultural and forest production or any other resources grown and found in private lands. The uniqueness of our legal system is customary law and practices and this has been given Constitutional recognition under Article 371A of the Constitution of India. However, Article 371A endorsed to the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland the final policy decision making power unlike the custom and practices we have been practicing since time immemorial. Such system is based on modern Indian democratic principle and may not cater successfully to the aspirations and wants of the Naga people. It cannot be denied that the MLAs are elected by the people and represents the people’s interest but it also cannot be denied that there may be possibilities of misuse of Article 371A by the legislators. The rejection of the Women Reservation Bill by the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland on the ground that Naga customary law do not allow women in policy decision making is a blatant violation of Article 15(3) and 13 of the Constitution and a direct insult to the Naga women. There are historical and political reasons behind the insertion of Article 371A and therefore should be respected and its use be irrespective of any discrimination and prejudice intentions.
It is Constitutional right that no person can be deprived of his property save by the authority of law even though the state is the dominion owner of the land and its resources. However, in the case of the Nagas, the land and its resources are owned by private individual and regulated by customary law. The Nagaland (Ownership and Transfer of Land its Resources) Act, 1990 hereinafter referred to as the said Act is an effort made by the Government of Nagaland to codify our customary law and which was assented by the Governor of Nagaland on 27th May, 1993 and published in the Nagaland Gazette extraordinary on 6th July, 1993. Henceforth, the customary law on ownership and transfer of land and its resources is statutory law and binding within the State of Nagaland. The said Act not only violates the customary rights of the land owners but is also inevitably biased depicting the egocentric interest of our legislators by making only the minerals and petroleum within the jurisdiction of the Act and left the other resources as it was. This clearly portrays the outlook of our Naga legislators that they are interested only in money and not for the welfare and protection of assets of the people.
The First Schedule of the said Act lays down the different amounts of royalty for different minerals to be paid to State Government. However, it fails to specify what kind of royalty has to be paid to the State Government i.e., royalty out of the royalty paid to the land owners by the company or royalty by the company to the State Government. In case if royalty out of the royalty paid to the land owners by the company the State Government seems to be greedy and fails to recognize the customary rights of the land owners. Even if the company pays to the State Government, the royalty to be paid to the land owners if fixed and the company may have to divide the royalty between the land owners and State Government. In both cases it cuts the share of the land owners. Hence, none of it is feasible. At the most, the land owners may get 10% of the total production at royalty from the company while it is evident that the State Government gets more than 8% of the total production at taxes alone. Thus, the question of charging royalty from land owners by the State Government is gluttonous and voracious. In India oil is sold and bought at international market price and hence, the table here shows the calculation of oil prices and royalty at current approximate international market price. The table here is an approximate estimate of taxation on oil and petroleum by the State Government of Nagaland.
The demand of the State Government to charge royalty from the land owners, if analyzed from point of view of Naga custom is not practicable because since time immemorial we have not paid any kind of royalty to any authority for the use and exploitation of resources found or grown in our private land. The same custom is given Constitutional recognition and the State Government should not try to alter our agelong preserved custom merely on the excuse of development of the State. Moreover, royalty is a share of the profit reserved by the owner for permitting another to use the property and in the case of Nagas, the individual land owners are the sole legitimate owner and so the royalty is paid to them. The land owner exists long before the State Government of Nagaland and just by mere virtue of being elected for a fixed term to legislate cannot obliterate the age old custom and Constitutional rights of the Naga people.
The constitutional recognition under Article 371A is a right and a freedom enshrined by the Constitution of India to the people of Nagaland. This right is the outcome of the Naga people’s demand and struggle and not the State Government of Nagaland and therefore this right exclusively vests with the Naga people. The State Government of Nagaland was not even born when Article 371A was inserted in the Constitution of India by the Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Act, 1962. The claim of the State Government of Nagaland the right to legislate a statutory law for sharing of royalty is against the customary right of the Naga people. Nevertheless, Article 371A authorize the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland the right to legislate, the spirit behind such sanction of power is to protect the customs, practices, cultures, traditions and rights of the Naga people. The right to have full royalty from any profit generated out of the resources found in ones land or property is a custom and customary right since time immemorial. It is the duty of the State Government to protect such custom and rights of the people and uphold the principle and spirit behind Article 371A of the Constitution of India and not to jeopardize such noble principle and spirit of Article 371A of the Constitution of India.

(In the wake of the State Government intentions and plans to make a statutory law for sharing of benefit and royalty from the exploitation and sale of oil and other mineral resources found in our State and inviting public opinion on the same we (authors) share with the public and Government of Nagaland through your esteemed daily our opinions and views on the same. We believe that this article would be informative to the public of Nagaland and as such would help the public and Government in bringing to a unanimous settlement for the development of the State and welfare of the public).
Jamir expound on 16-pt agreement, Statehood & beyond
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Ashikho Pfuzhe | Aheli Moitra


Former Nagaland Chief Minister and former Goa & Maharashtra Governor, Dr. SC Jamir along with his wife during the release of Jamir’s book “Naga Peoples Convention and 16th Points Agreement” at Hotel Saramati on Friday. (Sorei Mahong Photo)

Dimapur | August 13 : Former Nagaland Chief Minister and former Goa & Maharashtra Governor, Dr. SC Jamir, has sought to clear controversies surrounding the 16-Point Agreement, which led to formation of Nagaland state. In an introductory address during the release of his book “Naga Peoples Convention and 16th Points Agreement” here at Hotel Saramati on Friday, the veteran politician said the book seeks to clarify that the 16-point agreement was not “Jamir’s idea” alone but evolved after exhaustive and widespread deliberations by representatives of 16 Naga tribes. Jamir also said that although the underground leaders did not accept the agreement, yet they were ‘always kept in the picture’.
Recalling the turbulent armed Naga political struggle of the early days, Jamir said that the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) came into being in 1957 when representatives of 16 tribes of the Naga Hills and Tuensang Frontier Agency met at Kohima, “to discuss, deliberate and explore all possible means for early and lasting restoration of peace, unity and harmony in the beleaguered Naga lands.” After extensive “re-shaping and finalizing of the draft memorandum”, the 16-Point Agreement was finally adopted during the 3rd NPC held at Mokokchung town in October 1959, Jamir said.
Jamir who is the lone surviving member of the 19-member “Negotiating Body” authorized by NPC to initiate dialogue with Government of India on the basis of the 16-point, said that he was just a Joint Secretary of the NPC during that time. To his political detractors who cry hoarse over the 16-point, the veteran Congressman reminded them of the oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution before they enter the State legislative assembly. Jamir also made it a point to mention that everything that Nagaland and its people were enjoying now was as a result of this agreement. He also said that of the 60 legislators in the present Nagaland assembly, only a couple of the legislators know what happened in Nagaland in the last 50 years. “Most politicians have no idea how statehood was born,” he said.
Reflecting on the present Naga society and state of politics, Jamir said that there is dearth or “famine of truth” as people were afraid to speak the truth. Apart from Naga people’s obsession with politics which, he said, is not so healthy, Jamir said that “prejudice accompanied by intolerance” has become the order of present Naga society.
On the much-quoted “honourable settlement” vis-a-vis the Naga political issue, the senior Congressman said that in a democracy, any kind of settlement should depend on voice and wishes of the people. He expressed regret that in Naga society, the voices of the people have been drowned by gun culture. Jamir further asked whether the myriad types of politics Nagas dapple with including factional politics, village politics, overground politics, Hoho politics and clan politics, can bring Nagas together.
Queried on “integration” of Naga contiguous areas contained in the 16-Point agreement, he said that in the past the Integration Committee had not received forthcoming response from Nagas outside Nagaland. He also said that Nagaland Government had passed three resolutions in the assembly, reiterating “integration.” Jamir has mooted the idea of having pan-Naga socio-cultural platform where all Nagas can come and meet together.
Jamir also said that if a political framework were to be devised to bring about solution to the Naga problem, “we have to think about contemporary politics taking place in the world, our country and in Naga society.” Jamir said that his “clear cut” advice to all including the Naga underground groups is that Nagas have to be in tune with contemporary 21st century line of thinking.
Continued on page 5
He said that any arrangement or agreement Nagas make should seek to protect the Naga identity and future Naga generations. He stressed on the contemporary economic and social realities that should be accounted for to design any political future, which will be the deciding factors for not just political but economic and social sovereignty, which would result in a mature, transparent and effective Naga polity.
On the ongoing talks between the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India, Jamir said that “whatever they decide should be just to the entire Naga society and should be futuristic, keeping in mind the political changes that could occur if technocrats or the extreme-right were to come into power, or when India reached a ‘super power’ status.”
The book was released by Pastor Zulu of Chumukedima Ao Baptist Church who also offered dedicatory prayer. Saturday’s book release was attended by family members, well wishers, Congress party leaders and media.

‘Autonomy for ENPO areas makes no sense’

Aheli Moitra
Dimapur | August 13
Former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. SC Jamir has ridiculed the proposal of the NPF led DAN government to grant autonomy (council) for the areas coming under Eastern Nagaland pointing out that whatever autonomy is available under the Indian constitution has already been given. “It doesn’t make sense to ask for district autonomy”, Jamir said while addressing a select group of people during the release of his book ‘Naga Peoples Convention and 16th Points Agreement’ at Hotel Saramati on Friday.
Breaking his silence over the ENPO demand for a separate State, the former Chief Minister blamed the NPF led DAN Government on “mishandling the situation” and pointed out that the circumstances leading to the demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ by ENPO was an outcome of “groupings and divisive politics” of recent times. He justified his argument by stating that the backward tribes under the ENPO had been “alienated” from the mainstream and also that these people were made to “feel insecure”.
Recalling the time of the State’s formation, the veteran politician said that during this period people of the Naga Hills and Tuensang Frontier Agency decided to come and live together. “It was a love marriage and not a forced merger,” Jamir said. He also mentioned that this was the first time two Naga areas were integrated under a common administration.
Jamir had played an active part as a member of the Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) to integrate the Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA) from North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) into what became a part of present Nagaland during the run-up to July, 1960 when the 16-point resolution was agreed upon with the Indian government, in the presence of leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Imkongliba Ao. The 16-point agreement was signed in August that year.
The former Chief Minister said that the Tuensang Frontier, falling under ‘un-administered’ areas those days, had been earmarked by the government for special development and economic packages such as Backward Area Development Fund and Border Area Fund. However, instead of people of the four backward districts –Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng-- getting the benefits, people from outside these districts manipulated and exploited them, Jamir held.
While speaking his mind out on this issue, the seasoned politician also had a word or two of advice. According to him, any important decision/s should be taken after due consideration and foresight. He regretted that the ruling dispensation seems to only be interested in “election gimmicks”. He called upon legislators of the four districts to reflect on the plight of their people and to remedy the disparities. “We need to address this issue with care and compassion,” said Jamir.
Blame game overshadows elusive solution The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, The so-called 33-Point Charter of Demands to find a solution for the Naga political problem has become a blame game now in Nagaland. The ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) has demanded from the Congress party in Nagaland to come out with its clear agenda over the matter.

The problem started when the NSCN (Khaplang) had issued a press release some days ago disclosing the purported 33-Point Charter of Demands attributed to the NSCN-IM which was allegedly submitted to the Government of India. In that press note the NSCN (Khaplang) accused the rival NSCN-IM of trying to hoodwink the Nagas by such Charter of Demands.

Reacting swiftly to that press note of the NSCN (Khaplang), the NSCN-IM said the alleged 33 Points proposal for Naga solution as mentioned and questioned by the NSCN-K was like a bold from the blue.
"Because the nature of the Indo-Naga political talks is such that except the negotiating teams of NSCN and the government of India nobody knows the exact contents of the proposals and counter proposals. Moreover, the points are seen to be twisted and invented to serve vested interests," the NSCN-IM reacted.

On August 6, Congress leader and former Nagaland minister K. Therie had claimed that the 33-Point Charter of Demands was prepared by him for the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Congress party, Nagaland unit and not by the NSCN-IM.
Therie also said that the charter of demands was his 'personal rough working paper' which was still under preparation.

Today, the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) said the Congress party must come out clearly with its agenda or else apologise to the Naga people for another of its blunders.

In a press communique issued to the media today, the NPF pointed out that the Indo-Naga political dialogue is being carried out between the Government of India and the Naga undergrounds, and, therefore, voiced surprise to observe that the Congress leaders in Nagaland under its Political Affairs Committee has discussed and endorsed a document that contains a charter of demands.

"This shows the intent and hidden agenda of the Congress, despite the fact that the Congress is not a party to the ongoing dialogue", the statement of NPF said.
Maintaining that this episode has once again exposed the double game of the Congress, the ruling NPF also said the opposition party cannot take the Naga people for granted.

The NPF, moreover, expressed surprise to observe that, despite being in power for more than 20 years, the Congress Political Affairs Committee has woken up to the need for a political settlement of the Naga political issue only now when it is in opposition.

It questioned the Congress on what it was doing when it was in power, the NPF said.