Dimapur, May 31 (EMN): The NSCN (IM) on Tuesday solemnly took a decision to “uphold and protect Naga unique history and Naga National Principle at any cost”, during its emergency national assembly held at its general headquarters in Hebron.
The group said in a press statement that the unpredictable political situation arising out of the deadlock over the core issue of Naga flag and constitution had compelled it to “take a national decision in order to save the future of the Nagas”.
In his speech to the house, a copy of which is available with this newspaper, NSCN (IM) Chairman Q Tuccu said the hour of reckoning has come. He said they shoulder the responsibility of fulfilling the prayers and dreams of thousands of people, who had given their lives for the Nagas' freedom, ‘for the honourable Naga political settlement with the Naga National Flag flying high’.
“We have to prove ourselves before God and before the Naga people and the whole world that we the NSCN members, the frontline torch bearers of Naga political movement shall stand the ground TILL THE LAST MAN STANDING in defense of our God's given rights,” read his speech delivered ahead of the crucial meeting.
He urged the members to seriously ponder during the meeting as it was a momentous occasion to “decide the future of the Naga nation for years to come”.
“No turning away from the stand we have to take today. Let us, however, believe that ‘we shall overcome someday’,” he added.
He said the national assembly was called to reaffirm their stand as the government of India had expressed its opposition to honour the usage of the Naga national identity symbolised by Flag and Constitution.
“How can we forfeit Naga National Flag and Naga Constitution in the name of Naga political solution? What belongs to us that define our political identity can never be compromised for the sweet morsel in the name of Naga political settlement,” he said, adding that they won’t succumb to pressure.
He said that “Naga people's sovereign identity is very prominently reflected in the Framework Agreement” but there are forces at work trying to undermine its political significance through wrong interpretation, that Naga flag, constitution and integration were not mentioned in the FA.
“We cannot allow these people to defile Naga political issue by bringing another Naga political agreement with flattering promises as done in the past. The past record of political agreements with India has given us bitter lessons and we have to stand guard against any Naga accord that betrayed our rights and national identity,” he said.
During the meeting, the house declared to observe the third Sunday of October as Naga National Prayer Day. It also reaffirmed the declaration of “Nagalim for Christ” during the meeting.
Maintaining that “faith is a matter of persuasion and conviction of individuals”, the NSCN (IM) said “we are opposed to imposition of one's faith upon the other and forbid forcible conversion of faith in any manner”.