Not even an inch of Assam should be included in NSCN(IM) peace agreement: Gogoi

In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the territorial integrity of Assam should not be compromised in the peace accord between the Indian Government and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).

New Delhi:Amid speculations that the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) would sign an accord to bring an end to the decades-long peace talk at the earliest, former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday cautioned that the accord should not be on the basis of compromising territorial integrity of Assam.

In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Gogoi said, "We also want that an accord should be signed with the NSCN. But that should not be on the basis of compromising the territorial integrity of Assam."

Ever since talks between the Naga insurgent outfits and Government of India was started decades ago, the NSCN-IM have been demanding inclusion of all Naga inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh within "Greater Nagalim Area".

The Centre, however, ruled out any such possibility. Recently, an all-party delegation from Manipur led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh called on Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed their concern. They also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation from Manipur requested Shah that territorial integrity of Manipur should not be compromised.

"Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal should also meet the Home Minister with an all-party delegation and express their concerns...but Assam CM is not at all bothered," said Gogoi.

In fact, there is an ongoing dispute over border land between Assam and Nagaland.

Read: Naga accord should not affect autonomy of other NE states: Congress

"The matter is in court and it is subjudice now. The government should not even talk of compromising the territorial integrity of Assam," said Gogoi.

Gogoi also dwelt upon several other issues like National Register of Citizen (NRC) in Assam and Congress prospects in the state.

He has also opposed the statement given by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi that the present NRC papers could be future documents.

"In the final list of NRC names of many Indians have been excluded...how can it be a future document. In fact, I have written a letter to CJI asking for his intervention by reviewing the whole issue so that people get justice," said Gogoi.

In a book release programme in the national capital recently, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had reportedly said that NRC was a base document for the future. He also hit out at the "armchair commentators" who "seek to present a highly distorted picture."

His statement, however, received criticism from different quarters.

However, talking on the present position of Congress in Assam, Gogoi said that the party would definitely revive its position.

Interestingly, a section of senior Congress leaders backed Tarun Gogoi for taking the charge of party leadership in the state.

"I have not yet discussed the matter with the party high command. But I am confident that if I take the responsibility I could revive the party," said Gogoi.

Gogoi had earlier said that due to the health concerns he will not be able to take an active role in politics.

Read: Surprised at CJI’s comment on NRC; I don’t consider it a 'future document': Tarun Gogoi