DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 22 (MExN): The Naga Rising today urged both the Government of India and the Naga negotiators to explore the full range of possibilities towards an honourable solution by exhibiting “upmost flexibility and accommodation.”
A statement from The Naga Rising said that the position of the NSCN (IM) on the flag and constitution “merits consideration.” It however pointed out that “the difficulty faced by India must also be respected at this given point in time.”
Calling upon both the NSCN (IM) and the 7 NNPGs to find meeting points, The Naga Rising said that the goal should be to converge the parallel talks and conclude it within the stipulated time.
It expressed confidence that a mutual solution is still possible within the stipulated time set out by the GoI.
“At this critical time Nagas must exhibit political astuteness by taking a middle path to work out a solution that is also acceptable to the Government of India. The longer we wait for a perfect solution, the more complex, improbable and uncertain things will become. We believe that at this juncture Nagas have more to gain than lose in an agreement with India,” it added.
It appealed to the NSCN (IM) not take the drastic step of deciding on ‘all or nothing’. “Its decision, at this difficult time, to accept what has been mutually agreed upon—barring the flag and constitution— will demonstrate magnanimity and statesmanship on its part before the world,” it stated.
The Naga Rising further urged the Naga people to see the present agreement “as a start, through a step by step approach towards resolving the complexity of our political issue.”
It meanwhile opined that the non-territorial arrangement (Pan-Naga Cultural Body) that is mutually agreed should be the collective focus of the Nagas. “The possibilities are endless if all Nagas unite to build on it,” it stated.
“The Pan-Naga Body, where the Naga flag will be located and used (as per the GoI’s position), is in fact a recognition and acknowledgment of Naga identity that transcends physical boundaries or lines,” it added.
It expressed belief that “starts are more important than having nothing as it will form the base to begin the process of building and healing our land.”
