DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30: With the ongoing Indo-Naga talks now focusing mainly on Naga flag and Naga constitution (Yehzabo), the NSCN (IM) on Friday insisted that the Framework Agreement embraces the Naga flag and constitution.
“It should be understood that Framework Agreement that speaks of the unique history of the Naga people and their sovereign independence identity embraces the flag and constitution,” said a statement issued by the MIP NSCN/GPRN.
The NSCN (IM) also claimed that there is no scope provided in the Framework Agreement to have separate talk on Naga flag and constitution.
“By having separate talk on flag and constitution, GoI is sending a wrong signal that is not in sync with the Framework Agreement. GoI should not undo its commitment and backtrack from the Framework Agreement by distorting what has been agreed upon. Even the appointment of the then Interlocutor as Nagaland state Governor is believed to have been deliberately done with the sinister design to undo his own signature from the Framework Agreement”, the statement claimed.
The NSCN (IM) maintained that the recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas by the Government of India on July 11, 2002 is a political milestone in the Indo-Naga political negotiations. “The political significance of the recognition of the uniqueness of Naga history is that before or after the declaration of Naga Independence on 14th August, 1947, Nagas has never taken a single step to join the Union of India, either by conquest or consent. NSCN respect GoI for accepting historical fact in order to take forward the Indo-Naga political talks to a meaningful level”, it said.
The NSCN (IM) said respecting each other’s position, shared sovereignty was defined in the competencies, and accordingly, how certain part of Naga sovereignty and vice versa was to be shared with union of India was defined in the competencies.
“With this arrangement, we are confident that it will provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful coexistence of the two entities.”
According to the NSCN (IM), in the talks that followed, an understanding was reached that “enduring inclusive” was for lasting relationship of all the Nagas including other factions to be included in the Framework Agreement.
“New relationship implies that old relation of violent confrontation will end once for all. New relationship of two entities pertains to peaceful coexistence of the two entities. The Framework Agreement is not far off for any layman to understand, that the identity of one is not dismissed, lost or demeaned in any manner that defines peaceful coexistence of two entities. We have stoutly defended our political identity”, it stated.
Stating that it is committed to stick to Framework Agreement to solve Indo-Naga political issue, the NSCN (IM) alleged that in total contradiction with the Framework Agreement “RN Ravi gave misleading report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee.”
“Such reports that are not connected with any agreement with the NSCN Negotiating team have now become the source of soreness in the Indo-Naga political talks”, it added.
(Page News Service)
