Coronavirus: NSCN-IM cancels ‘Republic Day’ and other events

NSCN-IM, the largest of the Naga rebel outfits, observes ‘Republic Day’ on March 21.

Published on: Mar 17, 2020, 23:09:52 IST

Hindustan Times, Guwahati | By Utpal Parashar

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One of the oldest militant outfits of the country – the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) said Tuesday evening said that it has decided to cancel its ‘Republic Day’ celebration in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

NSCN-IM rebels in one of their camps. (HT File Photo)

The outfit, which signed a framework agreement (FA) with Government of India (GoI) in August 2015, has cancelled other engagements and events as well as preventive measures against coronavirus.

A statement issued by the publicity wing of the outfit also said that its annual budget session and celebration of silver jubilee of the Naga Freedom Fighters Widows’ Welfare Federation have also been postponed.

It added that there would be no interviews or press conference, “no media interaction whatsoever” and no meetings.

NSCN-IM, the largest of the Naga rebel outfits, observes ‘Republic Day’ on March 21.

After 18 years of talks with the GoI, NSCN-IM had signed the FA, which was to be the basis for a final agreement on the Naga political issue. While there have been speculations about its content, it is yet to be made public

Though the peace talks with NSCN-IM and seven other rebel outfits concluded in October last year, the final agreement is yet to be signed as the former is insisting of a separate Naga flag and constitution despite the central government’s refusal.

The Naga insurgency began in 1950s seeking independence, but over the years that gave way to demand for other things like more autonomy, integration of all Naga-inhabited areas in Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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