Separate constitution, flag can be pursued post solution: WC –NNPG

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 16 (MExN): As there continue to be a stalemate between the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN (IM) over the latter’s insistence on a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has suggested that the issue of a separate flag and Naga constitution can be pursued post solution. 


Media Cell, WC-NNPGs on Wednesday in a press statement said these two issues were raised only in the 21st year of negotiation and the GoI remain firm that these are issues which Nagas can pursue post solution. 


Besides, the Naga tribes, GBs and civil societies have urged for an early solution, pleading contentious issues be kept for future democratic process, the WC said.


It maintained that if this appeal of the Naga tribes goes unheard, it would “mean the negotiation is not for the people and therefore Nagaland should be left undisturbed because it would be unwise to play emotional, sentimental and patriotic card at all times, without tending to wailing and dying generations of Nagaland.”


The WC has also taken strong exception to the statement allegedly originating from the NSCN (IM)’s quarter that "Nagaland will cease to exist and it will be replaced by people's government of Nagalim." 


Lamenting that “decades of serving and sharing their meals morning and night with Naga brethren from other Naga areas in the name of Naga cause is a thankless job,” the WC urged that Nagas should not be carried away by “propagandas being churned out to confuse our people and to ensure demographic invasion of Nagaland.”


It also sought to point out that WC-NNPGs have entrenched Naga identity and political rights in Naga areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh where Nagas will be masters in their own lands till we achieve integration. 


“Without integration Nagaland cannot accommodate Naga brothers from other states. Those Nagaland inhabitants who think otherwise should demonstrate their generosity by demarcating one's own fertile land first, subject to approval by own tribe, to be donated to landless brothers from other Naga areas,” it stated. 


Meanwhile, clarifying that the WC is not neither an agent nor a tool of the Government of India (GoI), it said the Committee consist of “remarkable Naga leaders from different Naga tribes and political entities, all with great patriotic dreams and visions inherited from the forefathers. 


“The seven Naga political groups came together because Naga people desire unity. A divided people cannot build a nation. WC exists because it is the call of the Nagas. The future must be secured. There no ego problem, personal ambitions or desire among NNPG leaders either for present or post solution period.”


The WC also pointed out that there is constant consultation on all major issues with Naga civil societies, tribal hohos, hereditary village elders, intellectuals, church and peace mediators, adding that all political matters are then thoroughly deliberated within the WC prior to talks. 


It therefore espoused belief that the, “GoI and Nagas are on a threshold of a new beginning. WC, NNPGs believes, with an acceptable and honourable solution, a robust future lies ahead for our children.”