We will stick to framework agreement — NSCN (IM)

Dimapur, Nov. 11 (EMN): The NSCN (IM) has made its stand clear on Naga political issue, saying that it “will stick to Framework Agreement and mutually agreed competencies including Naga national flag and constitution”,  notwithstanding the stand of the government of India on the contentious issue.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the NSCN (IM) stated that some Indian leaders are making an issue out of the Naga flag and Yehzabo (constitution), which it said, “are the inherent characteristics of our recognised sovereignty and identity”.

The group said that ‘Nagas have been looking for lasting solution and lasting relationship by mutual agreement and do not believe in forced marriage and force union’.

“Therefore, we strongly believe and we can assuredly say that Naga solution incorporating Naga flag and constitution will undoubtedly solve not only the Naga political problem, but it will also solve the chronic Indo-Naga political problem and they will tighten their lasting relationship,” it stated, adding that both the parties should focus on long term solution that will give no room for future war.

The NSCN (IM) also stated that its Ato Kilonser Th Muivah, who is also the chief negotiator, has been asserting the Naga political identity as a nation since the Indo-Naga political talks began with the signing of ceasefire in 1997, and it took five years for the Government of India to officially recognise the unique history of the Naga people.

It recalled how the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru tried to subdue the Nagas through military might; created Nagaland state by leaving out vast Naga-inhabited territory; signed 16-Point Agreement; and Shillong Accord failed to solve the Naga political issue and more bloodshed followed. It went on to say that the Nagas’ stand was nothing short of total sovereignty until “it was mutually agreed to work out a meeting point”.

The group stated that the “historic” Framework Agreement that recognises the unique history, identity and sovereignty of the Nagas was signed on August 3, 2015.

“Based on this Framework Agreement we have mutually agreed that Nagas will exercise their sovereignty in their own internal affairs. However, there are areas where the two entities will share sovereign powers. Agreement also says that Nagas are the owners of their land and all natural and mineral resources above and beneath the land belong to the Nagas,” read the statement.

“Significantly, the Government of India has also recognised the legitimate right of the Nagas to integration of all Naga territories. Road map has been worked out for its materialisation through political process. And that kind of political set up with legislative, executive, and financial (separate budget) and judicial powers will be created which will be transitional. Pan Naga Hoho, a cultural and social body with a separate budget allocated by the Government of India will also be created,” it added.