NSCN-IM threatens armed violence for first time since 2015 framework agreement

For the first time since signing a framework agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has issued a statement threatening to “resume violent armed resistance against India”. The NSCN-IM warned it would resume the struggle if the Centre does not agree to third-party intervention to address its demands, which include a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.
It said that that “the violent confrontation shall be purely on account of the deliberate betrayal and breach of commitment by India and its leadership to respect and honour the letter and spirit of the framework agreement of August 3, 2015”.
Signed by general secretary, NSCN and “chief political negotiator”, the statement released said that NSCN shall defend and protect the unique history, sovereignty, freedom, territory, flag and constitution for the Nagas “come what may”.
A government source said the statement has been drafted in the name of Mr. Muivah by his two China-based aides Phunthing Shimray and Pamshin Muivah. The 90-year-old is not keeping well, the source added. On September 20, Mr. Pamshin Muivah was appointed as national security adviser of NSCN. The group signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997.
NSCN-IM accused the “authorities and the leadership in the GoI” of deliberately betraying the letter and spirit of the 2015 agreement by refusing to recognise and acknowledge the Naga flag and constitution.
“The GoI will attempt to impose conditions and terms of surrender on the NSCN,” the statement said.
The NSCN demands the creation of ‘Greater Nagaland’ or Nagalim by integrating Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to unite 1.2 million Nagas.