NSCN (IM) leader Th. Muivah says Naga flag and constitution remain non-negotiable, while accusing Centre of violating Framework Agreement.
DIMAPUR — NSCN (IM) Ato Kilonser Th Muivah has reiterated that the Naga national flag and constitution will not be compromised, while accusing government of India of violating the “letter and spirit” of the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement.
Muivah made the assertion in his address on Friday during the 80th Independence Day celebration of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) at Council Headquarters, Hebron. His address was read out by Deputy Ato Kilonser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) VS Atem.
Muivah said that NSCN (IM) remained committed to an early, acceptable and honourable political solution to the Indo-Naga issue, but maintained that the Naga national flag, constitution, sovereignty and sovereign territory were among the “non-negotiable national issues” mandated by the Naga people.
He maintained that the July 11, 2002 Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement had established a “new relationship” based on the sharing of sovereign power between two sovereign entities. He alleged, however, that government of India had violated the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement.
Muivah also reaffirmed the NSCN’s position on the August 14, 1947 declaration of Naga independence and the May 16, 1951 Naga Plebiscite, while recalling the formation of the NSCN in 1980 after its rejection of the 1975 Shillong Accord.
He also recalled the role of the Naga National Council and leaders including AZ Phizo, Imkong Meren and T Sakhrie, saying the Naga national struggle had been carried forward through successive generations.
According to him, the 1997 ceasefire marked a shift by India from a military to a political approach to the Naga issue, with negotiations based on unconditional dialogue and meetings at the Prime Ministerial level and outside India.
He said that the Naga political issue had continued through decades of struggle and negotiations and stressed that the Nagas were “not a lost people” but a people with a unique history and political identity.
Muivah recalled military operations and human rights violations in Naga areas, saying armed confrontation had begun in March 1955 after peaceful efforts had failed.
On the current political situation, he said that the NSCN (IM) would continue to pursue a peaceful political solution but would not compromise what it considered fundamental national principles.
Meanwhile, calls for Naga unity featured prominently in the programme. Naga Mothers’ Association Vice President Apeuna Iheilung appealed to Naga political negotiators to pursue a sincere and honourable solution based on mutual respect and recognition of the Nagas’ unique history and sacrifices. She also called on all Naga political groups to unite in purpose and action.
NSF Assistant General Secretary Veze Tunyi reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening Naga identity, unity and collective aspirations, and urged Naga political groups and the government to protect the Naga people’s history, identity and legacy.
Naga Council Dimapur president JK Rengma called upon Naga organisations, civil societies, churches and individuals to rise above divisions and work together in unity, faith and brotherhood. He also urged Nagas to protect their land, culture, language and faith while working towards a lasting and honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.
United Naga Council president Ng. Lorho stressed that the future of the Naga people depended on unity and urged Nagas to rise above factionalism, political differences, tribal divisions and personal interests.
Representatives of the Naga Hoho, NPMHR, Global Naga Forum, Aqahuto Tokukujo Kukami Kuqhakulu and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union also delivered brief addresses at the programme.
Muivah, meanwhile, hoisted the Naga national flag and inaugurated the Tatar Hoho House during the celebration.
He paid tribute to patriots and martyrs of the Naga national movement and honoured late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, late Vice-Chairman Khadao Yanthan, late Brig. Thungbo Pangmi and late Vice-Chairman Gen. (Retd.) Kholi Konyak.
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