The NSCN (I-M) on Monday expressed unhappiness over the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India for “hobnobbing” and seeking guidance from former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir who was “one of the architects of the 16 Point Agreement which is the root of the never ending Naga political problem.”
The 16 Point Agreement which was rejected and condemned by the Naga people years ago can never be brought back as the basis for the Naga political solution, NSCN (I-M) stated in a release.
The Nagas have suffered much because of the depths of cruelty and treachery in the hands of SC Jamir, it stated. “As uttered by SC Jamir, he is scheming with the Centre to destroy the very foundation of the Naga political identity that the Naga people have shed blood, sweat and tears over the decades. Needless to say, Jamir has a penchant for creating bloodshed as testified by the pages of Naga history. Naturally, the peace process under ceasefire is something anathema to him,” it mentioned.
When the 16 Point Agreement was signed and the state of Nagaland was created, the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sensed something missing and made a statement in the Lok Sabha to express his desire to meet AZ Phizo in London, it stated.
There was immediate panic reaction from SC Jamir, the then Parliamentary Secretary of MHA and wrote to Shilu Ao, the first Nagaland chief minister, dated March 22, 1963, it stated. His letter read, “Uncle Shilu, what is that the Prime Minister is talking about of meeting Phizo, a terrorist? If his meeting with Phizo becomes a reality, then I will come back home packing my bedding.”
He also mentioned that he is capable of more troubles than the hostiles could do, and was so determined that the 16 Point Agreement should not be touched, it stated.
It further stated that ultimately, Shilu Ao and colleagues in Nagaland fell in line with Jamir’s threatening letter as they rose against the proposal of Nehru’s meeting with Phizo. What followed was that peace could not prevail in Nagaland and many precious lives were lost, it added.
This same SC Jamir is still alive repeating the same thing he loved most, to defend the 16 Point Agreement, it stated. “Why is the Government of India not willing to learn from history, and giving space to Jamir to block a genuine, honorable and lasting solution to the Naga political issue?” NSCN (I-M) questioned.
