NSCN (K) blames rival on 'federal' deal

Kohima, July 4 (UNI) The NSCN(K) today accused rival faction NSCN-(IM) of betraying the Nagas by diluting their demand of sovereignty to autonomy or 'Kashmir-like status' of separate state and special provisions with in the Constitution of India.

The NSCN(K) 'Ministry of Information and Publicity'(MIP) Secretary, in a release, ridiculed the peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN-(IM) but added it would not be a stumbling block.

It, however, said if the people of Nagaland wanted to know more about autonomy, they could study the Bodoland Autonomous territory to be administered by Bodoland Territorial Council.

On federal relationship, the NSCN(K) said, ''India already has a federal system of Governance and if it is regarding Kashmir-like status, then Nagaland has a special provision of Article 371(A) which guarantees exclusive rights to the people of Nagaland in relation to land and natural resources.

''All other special constitutional provisions for the state of Kashmir are subservient to Article 371(A) granted to Nagaland,'' it further said and questioned the NSCN-(IM) leadership of going back on their demand of sovereignty.

The NSCN(K) declared it would not be a stumbling block to the peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN-(IM). It rather urged both parties to expedite the peace process and put an end to insurgency in the Northeast and create peaceful atmosphere.

The outfit further alleged that the proposals submitted and being discussed in the talks were far lower than Shillong Accord provisions and expressed apprehension that such an accord could ''unleash another bloodbath'' in Nagaland.

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