Participants carry banners during a rally in Senapati on August to mark the 11th anniversary of the signing of the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement, calling for the early implementation of the accord.
Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 3
Naga organisations, activists, scholars and intellectuals on Monday observed the anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) with rallies, discussions and public programmes across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.
The Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015.
Programmes were organised in Imphal, Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and other places to commemorate the occasion.
In Imphal, scholars, activists, intellectuals, advocates and public leaders held discussions on the Framework Agreement and what they described as its significance.
In Ukhrul, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) organised a rally demanding the early implementation of the Framework Agreement.
Addressing a public gathering in Senapati, United Naga Council (UNC) president N G Lorho said the NSCN had signed the Framework Agreement with the Government of India "as an independent entity" and expressed concern over the prolonged negotiations since the political talks began in 1997.
He said the delay in reaching a settlement had led to growing frustration among the Naga people and urged them to remain united in pursuing their political aspirations.
Lorho also appealed to the Government of India to demonstrate what he described as genuine political will and sincerity in resolving the Indo-Naga political issue, while expressing hope for an honourable and amicable settlement at the earliest.
He said the commemorative programmes reflected the desire of Nagas in Manipur for an early political solution based on the Framework Agreement.
Recalling the decades-long Naga political movement, Lorho said many people who had contributed to the movement had passed away without witnessing a settlement and that many others continued to await its conclusion.
He further alleged that the Government of India had departed from the spirit of the Framework Agreement by not recognising the Naga national flag and constitution, which he described as integral to Naga identity.
The Government of India has consistently maintained that any final settlement of the Naga political issue will be within the framework of the Constitution of India.
