Subir Ghosh: The issue of issue of unity among the Nagas is one of the most written-about subjects. I have raised the issue of the surrenders in 1973 and 1975. Then there was the Phizo-Sakhrie conflict. Do you think such dissension has affected the Naga cause?
Thuingaleng Muivah: The question of unity is everywhere in all struggles. It is unavoidable. We believe in revolutionary philosophy. It is through contradictions that the realities are revealed and straightened out. It is not peculiar to the Nagas. Certainly, it affected the flow of the progress, but did not hinder the course of the cause. We are a people committed to national principles. We do not compromise on the issue of principles. In other words, we have no passion for unprincipled unity or peace. It does not serve the purpose even tactically and strategically. Phoney unity is always fraught with the danger of worse consequences. It is most foolish to put incompatible things together. Unity must be sought on a correct basis; peace must be founded on correct grounds. Otherwise, everything is a sham. A national goal cannot be achieved through a fluke: it demands genuine sacrifice.
Subir Ghosh: Then there is the question about tribal unity. Going by reports, one finds that the Nagas are divided along tribal lines when it comes to your organisation, Khaplang's faction, and the surviving Adinno group. Broadly speaking, we find the Sumis, Tangkhuls with you, the Konyaks, Aos and Angamis with Khaplang and Adinno. I repeat this is broadly speaking. As long as this continues, how do you think that unity of the people can be achieved. After all, since the goal is independence, the people will have to live unitedly once the Nagas become independent.
Thuingaleng Muivah: There was no tribalism among the Nagas until the NNC created an administrative structure along tribal lines. In the course of time, some elements of tribal interest came up. But, things were not determined along tribal lines as blown up by Indians and the puppets. We have to know that Indians and the puppets have their own interests: they play upon this stuff. But, we are sure, you will be enlightened with these two questions: (a) Is the Sixteen-Point Agreement worked out or accepted along tribal lines? (b) Is the Shillong Accord on a tribal basis? It will be too great a mistake if they are construed in terms of tribalism. The Tangkhul national workers condemned the Accord in 1976. Was it on account of their tribal interests against those of other tribes? No, not at all. They did because it was a sellout of the right of the Naga nation. We do not think either that those who failed or missed to condemn the Accord have tribal stakes in it. In most cases of confusion of conflict, it is the inability from wrong that gave the chance to people with vested interests to play their game. And, when a leader is incompatible with the sanctity of the cause he professes to serve, he becomes disgruntled and dangerous. This is the case with Khaplang. Immediately after his attempt on our lives, he started working in collaboration with the Indian forces and the puppets. Nagas are divided along these lines. Your assessment of the situation is wide off the mark. All lovers of the nation are with us because they know we are the only people genuinely representing the Naga nation. And no wonder, in this way, we have survived the 50 years of India's divide-and-rule policy. We think you will be clearer about the point if you examine the disunity among Indians – between the Hindus and the Muslims, the Brahmins and the Untouchables, the indigenous Dalits, Adivasis on one hand and the Indian ruling class on the other, between feelings of the South and the North, etc.
Thuingaleng Muivah: We do not claim that the NSCN is the most disciplined. But, it is a fact that we are a committed people to a concept of life which, to our persuasion, is the best and the most practicable. This cause is more than life itself. We are opposed to the killing of innocent people, and unethical principles. However, it is a fact that some unruly elements in our ranks do act to the contrary and damage the culture of the organisation in some way or the other, despite efforts of correction. Besides, some gangs did create problems extorting things from our people in our name. We take action against such elements. With regards to your question of killing women or wives or children, we have this to say: the NSCN fears most the crime of killing the innocent, because it is a sin against humanity and God. There is nothing more fatal than the curse of God. But, one has to know that Indian armed forces have a horrible record. They run the risk of being ambushed anywhere, anytime. Under the circumstances, Indian forces should avoid taking with them their wives and children to areas where there is a risk of fighting. We do target the Indian Army and try to avoid harming innocent persons, especially women and children. Sometimes, sadly civilians do become victims of both sides.
Thuingaleng Muivah: Drugs are a virulent enemy of the society almost anywhere in the world. The NSCN simply does not permit any form of dealing in drugs. This was so right from the start of our organisation. We have even dealt harshly with a number of drug businessmen. We just cannot afford to let our society and the generations to come to be eaten up by drugs. We understand that the NNC, Khaplang, Kukis and the Indian Army officers keep trading in drugs.
Thuingaleng Muivah: Nationalism is an eternal force despite the changes taking place around the world. Naga nationalism will never die out. It is rooted all the more now. Nagas from all corners have realised the decisiveness of their being themselves. Nagas will never lack volunteers. They know this is the only path of salvation.
Thuingaleng Muivah: We have the United Front to fight against the common enemy. We do not seek amalgamation at the moment. We have a common platform in that we advocate one another’s cause wherever it is possible. We also have coordination among the members in certain essential areas of activities. We are gradually making headway in consolidating the Front. The KYKL has the most correct orientation for the Meiteis. In many respects we help each other and also work together. The ULFA has withdrawn from the IBRF. It is an essentail step towards better relations for them with other revolutionary groups around. All of us understand the need to pass through stages to be bound up with one another. In regard to your question about the Nagas in Manipur, we will say that the Nagas wherever we may be, will decide our future. As for people, we will want to have good and mutually beneficial relations with them.
