Nagas won't merge with India: NSCN-IM

The NSCN(IM), which signed a framework agreement with the Centre in 2015, has asserted that Nagas won't merge into the Union of India but will "co-exist" as separate entity.

In a statement, it claimed that it is the only group representing Nagas in the ongoing peace talks with the government.

"We represent Naga people, including village chiefs, civil societies and organisations, political parties and the churches, whereas government of India represents India including its states.

"The question of stakeholders does not arise," the statement issued on Wednesday said.

Nagaland Governor and Centre's interlocutor for the peace talks, R N Ravi, could not be reached for his comment on the matter.

The NSCN(IM) also said that opportunists, deserters, opponents and detractors who have never fought for the cause have started claiming their shares, now that the solution is around.

Maintaining that the "good Lord has opened the door for the Nagas", it said, "We must seize the opportunity. We must explore every possible way to finding the long-cherished solution."