As indicated earlier that it would issue clarification after discussing the content of the letter to Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) with its chairman and senior officials, NSCN (K) Monday clarified that the letter was misread by people with “ulterior motives”. In a press release, NSCN (K) MIP said some people were trying to take advantage and “manipulate” the letter and confuse the Nagas. However, MIP said their efforts would not have any impact upon Nagas or NSCN (K) as the people already knew its stand that it would not compromise on the issue of “sovereignty”.
Pointing out that S.S. Khaplang was not talking about the Nagas of Myanmar only, MIP said Khaplang was only referring to the declaration of Naga Independence on August 14, 1947, the Naga plebiscite in 1951 and the boycott of the 1952 elections “imposed” on Nagaland state. NSCN (K) advised those groups and individuals that their intention to create further rift among the Nagas was only displaying their true “immature colour” and the nature of their approach towards NSCN (K) and Naga people for their “individual gains and cheap publicity.”
According to MIP, the decision in this regard was taken before the June 2011 split and the letter was the outcome of that decision jointly taken by three leaders – S.S. Khaplang, “Gen.” Khole and Kitovi.
MIP said “these gentlemen are now trying to twist it with ulterior motives to malign the NSCN and its leader S.S. Khaplang”. Further, MIP pointed out that letter of the then joint leaders clearly stated NSCN (K) would not stand in the way of NSCN (I-M) solution as no Nagas knew what were the exact content or demands of their talk.
Hence, MIP said Khaplang only assured that NSCN (K) would not interfere in the affairs of NSCN (I-M) arriving at a solution. Meanwhile, NSCN (K) said if the government of India was to give away any kind of packages or solution to NSCN (I-M), then it should also be ready to talk with NSCN (K) on “Naga Independence”.