Nagaland: Against NSCN-IM wishes, bust of Imkongliba Ao unveiled in Kohima

KOHIMA: Despite severe condemnation from the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah), the bust of Dr. Imkongliba Ao, President of Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC), was unveiled at the Raj Bhavan Kohima. The NSCN-IM's peace talks with the Government have reached a sta

On the occasion of the 58th Statehood Day, Nagaland Governor RN Ravi urged Naga people to commit themselves to “building a Nagaland of their dreams.”

ALSO READ: Nagaland state is a result of “manipulation and treachery”, claims NSCN (IM)

Unveiling the bust of Dr. Imkongliba Ao, President of Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) at the Raj Bhavan Kohima on Tuesday, Ravi paid rich tributes to the founding fathers– the leaders of the NPC and countless Nagas whose "blood, sweat and sacrifices created the State of Nagaland."

The Governor also acknowledged Padma Bhusan Dr SC Jamir, the only surviving NPC member, who was present at the programme, for “his decisive role at a crucial time in shaping the State,” and expressed gratitude to other members of the NPC.

“I tell their family members that your fathers and grand-fathers were the heroes and will always remain heroes for the people of Nagaland and the Country,” Ravi maintained.

Earlier, the NSCN-IM, condemning the commemoration programme and unveiling of the bust of Ao at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima, stated that the creation of the Nagaland state is a result of “manipulation and treachery”.

Releasing a statement ahead of the Statehood Day celebrations, the NSCN-IM said, “The history of Naga political struggle and the ongoing Indo-Naga political talk is a living testimony that the present Nagaland state is the brainchild of a few treacherous Nagas that showed up in the name of Naga People’s Convention (NPC) hijacking the Naga issue without the concern of the bona fide freedom fighters.”

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The insurgent body further claimed that IB (Intelligence Bureau) was at its divisive game after getting hold of a few Nagas, especially Government employees to join the bandwagon, taking the name "Naga People’s Convention."

In the release, the NSCN (IM) further alleged that the Convention “without the consent, support and participation of the Naga people” arrived at an agreement called the 16-Points Agreement that was responsible for the creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian Union.

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