DIMAPUR, Aug 14 - Contrary to propaganda and apprehension that the NSCN-IM had made concessions on the two most contentious issues while signing the framework agreement with the Government of India on August 3, NSCN-IM general secretary Th. Muivah affirmed that there will be no solution without �integration� and also the issue of sovereignty for the Naga people has not been given up.
Forgetting to mention the two issues while highlighting on the agreement, Muivah stood up for the second time after his 40-minute speech at the 69th Independence Day celebration of NSCN/GPRN at its headquarters at Camp Hebron near here.
He said this in response to some people spreading the �propaganda� that the NSCN-IM has given up the integration and sovereignty issues while signing the agreement thereby creating confusion.
�Without integration, there will be no solution. The sovereignty has never been given up,� the NSCN-IM ato kilonser (prime minister) said. He also said when his outfit made it a point during the talks with the Government of India that sovereignty is first and foremost issue, the latter had agreed to work it out.
On the opposition by neighbouring States on integration of Naga-inhabited areas, he impressed upon them to respect the rights of neighbours while assuring to respect theirs.
He also reiterated that the Government of India accepted the Naga issue as a political issue which required political solution and agreed to seek a political solution.
�Let�s work together in the interest of the nation,� Muivah appealed reaching out to other Naga underground factions.
In his message, NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu, who is recuperating in a Delhi hospital, informed the people that the �Framework Agreement� is the foundation upon which an honourable solution acceptable to both India and the Nagas will be built. He also asserted that the NSCN-IM is firmly committed to bring about a lasting and an honourable political solution based on the �unique history and situation of Nagas�.
