‘Threatening does not work,’ Imchen urges flexible negotiations

November 12, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Says 3rd party involvement could be possible if both parties agree to invite an external country to intervene

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 12

Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, and Spokesperson for the Nagaland Government Imkong L Imchen, today commented on the recent statement by the NSCN (IM) to resume violent armed resistance. He emphasized that proper and flexible negotiations, which create a win-win situation for both parties, should be the approach at the negotiating table, without resorting to threats.

Imchen made these remarks while speaking to media personnel at his chamber in Kohima today.

“Threatening does not work to achieve the desired goal in any human interaction,” he said, adding that breaking the ceasefire and returning to armed struggle does not signal a bright future for the state.

Imchen opined that the leadership of today should pave the way for younger leadership tomorrow. “Unless we draw a roadmap in a comfortable and stable way, we will face situations like those in the past,” the Advisor further said.

“The negotiation that has been ongoing for the last three decades may not be easy, but I still believe that the negotiators should adopt a give-and-take approach for the Nagas and the Government of India. It should not be a case of ‘winner takes all,'” Imchen noted, stating that this strategy will work for both the Naga people and the Government of India.

He acknowledged the atrocities committed against the Naga people in the past when no political negotiations took place. However, he mentioned that agreements have now been signed by the concerned parties.

“If both parties have reached a certain agreement or negotiation, both sides should take equal responsibility and work towards a conclusion,” he stated. He also called for introspection regarding the position of the Nagas in the Naga political issue, particularly in relation to the agreements.

“What were our agendas in the last 30 years?”

He said, “We are not the givers; India is the giver, with the authority to give, grant, or allow us.”

Imchen also noted that the chances of third-party interference in the Indo-Naga political issue are minimal. He explained that as India is a world power, both politically and economically, no external party would want to interfere in an internal issue of the Indian government.

He said, however, that third-party involvement could be possible if both parties agree to invite an external country to intervene.

Imchen, who shifted from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) to the BJP just before the 2023 state elections, and previously moved from the NPF to the NDPP in the 2018 elections, sought to clarify his position. He explained that his move from the NDPP to the BJP was not a defection but a legal and procedural transition under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of India, which allows for party mergers.

He clarified that his resignation from the Assembly as an NDPP MLA and re-election under the BJP banner were carried out in accordance with legal protocols. His mandate, he said, came directly from the people through the BJP, not as a result of any defection.

Imchen reaffirmed his unwavering support for the BJP, emphasizing its alignment with national leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his belief that the policies of the central government have been beneficial to Nagaland, both economically and politically.

He said the BJP party is strong in its commitments and does not betray its allied partners.

Despite Nagaland currently being in an opposition-less government, he noted that a government with an opposition strengthens the other party by keeping checks and balances on its performance. He added that the parties are not enemies.