Advisor of Information and Public Relations Imkong L. Imchen on Tuesday maintained that he feels nothing wrong for openly expressing the opinions of the general Naga public and that as a people’s representatives since 2003 he is concerned about the opinion of the Naga public. “It is felt imperative on my part to reflect the Naga public opinion in the public domain,” he added.

Imchen was addressing the media in his office chamber here at Civil Secretariat, Kohima on the recent statement by NSCN-IM against him.

The Advisor and the Isak-Muivah-led National Socialist Council of Nagalim are in the middle of war of words following Imchen’s statement criticizing the lack of progress in the negotiations, highlighting the Framework Agreement signed between NSCN-IM and the Government of India in 2015.

Subsequently, the NSCN IM called Imkong L Imchen an “opportunist” and further slammed him for commenting on the Indo Naga political issue “with the tongue of unhealthy or decayed mind”. The divisive politics of Imkong is poisonous for Naga people, it added.

Read more: NSCN-IM hits out at Advisor Imkong Imchen for comments on Naga political settlement

Imkong L Imchen expresses pessimism over Naga political settlement, highlights lack of progress

Imchen, slamming on the statement of the NSCN-IM, said that NSCN-IM going against the BJP will not affect his mind to review his decision of joining BJP. He reminded NSCN-IM that it remains a fact that it is the BJP party who has taken the bold decision to sign the Framework Agreement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He maintained that Naga Political issue is not an individual owned property but of the Nagas.

“Nagas are the real stakeholders including the 60 MLAs of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and also the government servants along with the Naga public in general, besides the several resolutions passed in the NLA under the leadership of different Chief Ministers,” said Imchen.

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Imchen remarked that the Government of India till date have not gone against the Framework Agreement officially in any forum or platform but NSCN IM, who is a part of the FA and also owner of the FA, have been conducting the negotiation in an argumentative manner which he said should be corrected. He also viewed that in any negotiation when there is a stalemate, both the parties should try to explore other options, adopt a flexible position and conduct the negotiation so that it will come in a better harmonious manner satisfying both the parties.

However, he said instead of exploring acceptable solution apparently, they (NSCN-IM) are more argumentative than open to discussion. Naga people are not happy the way they are conducting the negotiation, he added.

While maintaining that even after numerous rounds of talks nothing has come about and Naga public are agitated, Imchen said that when constitution and flag are not negotiable, we should opt for others.

He also reiterated that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has openly stated the position of the GoI that they are not going to conceit to the demand of a separate flag and constitution.

“Except flag and constitution all doors are open and I think we should take it seriously. Naga people should opt for other option,” said Imchen.