Dimapur, Oct. 30 (EMN): The Naga Rising on Friday said that Indo-Naga peace talks must not breakdown and mutual respect between the two entities should coexist for honourable solution.
The Naga flag and yezhabo (constitution) have been an integral part of the Naga national movement since its inception, irrespective of the numerous groups or factions that exist. As such, there is nothing to demand or bargain for when it comes to national symbol as they are inherent and inalienable rights of the Naga people, stated the press statement appended by 11 members of the organisation.
“The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) would understand better the emotion behind the Naga case as it has hailed the use of its own saffron flag. According to the RSS, the saffron flag represents ‘history, tradition and the supreme sacrifices made for the nation’ and that it is the ‘embodiment of all basic elements of our nationhood.’ The Nagas are expressing the same sentiment,” it stated.
For the Naga flag and constitution to be made part of a peace agreement, the Naga Rising appealed to prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to give due consideration of the following points:
Based on existing law and understanding, the Naga Rising stated that it is evident that having a separate Naga flag is not prohibited under the Indian legal or political system.
It pointed out that in the 1994 case before the Supreme Court of India, S R Bommai v., Union of India, the Supreme Court declared that there is no prohibition in the Constitution of India for a state to have its own flag. However, a state flag should not dishonour the national flag.
The organisation also cited that for many years, Jammu and Kashmir had a separate flag due to special status granted by Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
“The Flag Code of India, 2002, does not impose prohibitions on a state flag. By implication, the Code provides space for a state flag as long as it does not offend the dignity and honour of the national flag. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also taken the official position that legally there is no provision either for providing or prohibiting a separate flag for any state,” it added.
It asserted that the Naga flag or constitution is not a threat to India nor will it diminish India’s standing as an emerging global power. Such symbols, it said will recognise, protect and promote the Naga identity in the cultural milieu of the Indian sub-continent.
“Upon your counsel and guidance, we urge the Naga negotiators and the GoI to work out some formulations that would recognize the Naga flag. By this act of magnanimity, we believe India will also gain the trust and support of the Nagas and realise its need for durable peace, stability, and security in the restive eastern borderlands.
“No other prime minister has been more explicit in recognising the depth of the Naga political movement and to resolving the Naga issue than yourself. During your visit to Nagaland in December 2014, you proclaimed the Naga nationalist slogan ‘Kuknalim’ three times in a public address, a gesture that perhaps underlined the duality of India and the Nagas while also expressing your respect for the Naga people’s sentiment, their history and culture,” the press statement read.
The Naga Rising believed that the mutual acceptance and respect should provide the basis for peaceful co-existence of the two entities in a framework that takes into account contemporary realities.
“Likewise, at the signing of the framework agreement, you spoke about the need to restore the “pride and prestige and self-respect” of the Nagas. We appeal to you to translate your well-meaning words into action by addressing Naga ‘aspirations’ and agreeing to a flag and constitution in the peace accord. This is the respect that Nagas want from you and something you have already expressed in your heart,” it read.