Dimapur, October 30 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) on Friday stated that the Framework Agreement embraces the Naga flag and constitution and that there is no scope provided to have separate talks on the same.
It alleged that by having a separate talk on flag and constitution, the Government of India (GoI) is sending a ‘wrong signal’ that is not in sync with the Framework Agreement.
While acknowledging the GoI for recognizing “the unique history and situation of the Nagas” on July 11, 2002 the NSCN (IM) termed it as a ‘political milestone in the Indo-Naga political negotiations’.
Under the given situation where focus of the talks is mainly on the flag and constitution, the NSCN (IM) said “it has become an exigent concern to dwell deeper on Framework Agreement lest reckless interpretation comes into play.”
It stated that the GoI accepts the universal principle that in democracy ‘sovereignty’ lies with the people and cited the 1951 Naga plebiscite “where 99.99 % voted in favour of sovereign Naga independence.”
Respecting each other’s position, shared sovereignty and accordingly how certain part of Naga sovereignty and vice versa was to be shared with union of India was defined in the competencies, it said.
“With this arrangement, we are confident that it will provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful coexistence of the two entities,” it added.
“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 added.
“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. There is no scope provided to have separate talk on Naga flag and constitution,” it said.
Pointing to the ‘misleading report’ given to the Parliamentary Standing Committee by the Interlocutor contrary to the Framework Agreement, the NSCN (IM) said that such reports “have now become the source of soreness in the Indo-Naga political talks.”
While reiterating its commitment to the Framework Agreement to solve the Indo-Naga political issue, the NSCN (IM) also added that the GoI should not undo its commitment and backtrack from the Framework Agreement by “distorting what has been agreed upon.”
