Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 16 (EMN): With the talks on the Naga political issue drawing widespread speculations, Eastern Mirror took to the streets to seek the opinion of citizens in Nagaland what they think about the ongoing Indo-Naga negotiations to resolve one of Asia’s longest-running political conflicts.
The public has been wondering whether or not a solution to the political issue will come as being projected in the media and from statements of political leaders. However, for many citizens of the state, the peace talks may likely continue or will not conclude shortly.
“Peace talk will continue, and no idea about how long it will take to conclude,” said a respondent who do not wish to be named. “The dialogue is bound to continue… to keep the public attention intact.”
Nonetheless, another respondent (name withheld) said the talk has “carried on long enough. It should conclude already…The blow has to be made while the iron is hot.”
According to the president of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) for Phek district, Cuvotso Nienu, solution “will take time” to arrive. He said ‘sovereignty’ at this juncture might not be possible but it is “our birth right and we must insist till we achieve the aspiration.” The Indo-Naga political problem will not be solved unless a “third country” intervenes, he asserted.
Worth demanding for separate flag and constitution?
There was mixed reaction from respondents on the demand for a separate “constitution” and a “national flag,” which is the ultimate demand of the NSCN (IM).
A civil aspirant (name withheld) said the Indian government might not risk giving out Naga flag and constitution. Another respondent also opined that seeking a separate flag and constitution is neither “realistic” nor “practical” as it had already existed during the time of AZ Phizo.
Meanwhile, one of the respondents nodded to a separate flag but was unsure of a constitution because “the nature of the constitution has to be known.”
According to a Naga research scholar, who do not wish to be named, “Flag is symbolic but it has great symbolic value. Without flag, Naga talks will be limited to a mere economic package. It is however understandable why the Indian government doesn’t want to allow flag considering that it will concede to the narrative that Nagas are totally different.”
“At its core, India is a nation-state. There are other ethnic groups who do not see themselves as Indians first. Flags have not been given to them. It is difficult to give special case to Nagas.”
On integration of Naga-inhibited areas
Most respondents felt that the integration of Naga-inhibited areas is not possible at this juncture.
“It is clearly not possible. Indian government cannot create four more problems by solving one not forgetting it is not clear whether Naga issue would be solved in the first place by the conclusion of peace talks,” said a respondent.
“Integration of Nagas of Nagaland is much more a greater issue than integration with all Nagas inhabiting in various neighbouring state and country. Integration process should start from the Nagas of Nagaland, between eastern Nagaland and mainland Nagaland, between various tribes, UGs, civil societies, and the people in truth and spirit,” observed another respondent.
