‘A gist of what was agreed in principle’

'Status paper' on Agreed Position emerges

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 16

A four-page document, reported to be a copy of the ‘status paper’ on the ‘Agreed Position’ signed between the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) and the Government of India (GoI) in November 2017, surfaced on Facebook days after the former declared that “the defining hour is approaching for announcing an honourable and acceptable solution.”

Sources in the WC, NNPGs confirmed that the ‘status paper’ was handed out to civil society organisations and tribal hohos in November 2019. However, the source stated that the ‘status’ has “evolved a lot since it was shown to them.”

Stating that the documents contained a ‘gist’ of what was agreed in principle, the source added, “As for flag and constitution or integration, a paragraph in 'Agreed Position' says GoI recognises the political and historical rights of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity.” This, he said, is ‘self explanatory’ and “with due regard to contemporary realities, we will pursue unresolved issues through political process.”

The document stated that the Indian Passport Act will be modified to incorporate ‘Certification of Naga Identity’ and give the Naga people a “distinct Naga identity.” It said a ‘Tatar Hoho’ (national parliament) comprising an upper house (Naga Federal Hoho) with members elected as per customary practices and procedures and a lower house (Leacy Hoho) of democratically elected members will be created. It also said the Centre will make separate provisions for the Nagas in the Union Budget.

According to the ‘status paper’, a ‘High Power Empowered Committee’ will be constituted to settle all boundary disputes between Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

“Till such a time the interstate boundaries are clearly demarcated and transferred to the rightful owners, the disputed areas will be kept under the direct control and administration of the Government of India,” it added.

Regarding integration of Naga-inhabited areas of other states with Nagaland, it said “re-drawing the political map at this juncture is neither economically feasible nor politically practicable.”

However, it said that the “Working Committee proposed the need to create administrative and legislative system for Nagas without any political disturbances in the respective states.” 

It also said that the NNPGs and the Government of India (GoI) deliberated on the Naga aspiration to have a flag.

However, “it became clear that the constitutional and statutory position do not favour the allocation of a flag,” the document stated. 

In this regard, it said that a ‘viable alternative’ was explored, wherein NNPGs ‘convinced’ the GoI, “the right of the Nagas to use a common totem reflecting the distinct history, identity and political integrity to serve as the insignia and emblem of Naga Federal Hoho.”

“The issue of flag can be taken up only after the prerequisite parliamentary enactments are made, which will take substantially longer periods,” it said.

 “All black laws like AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act will be withdrawn” immediately after signing the Agreement, as part of “confidence building measures,” it said.

All Army and paramilitary outposts and barracks will be withdrawn from populated areas and relocated to cantonments within a specified period. However, international border outposts, supply and command areas will not be disturbed, it added.

Besides these, the ‘status paper’ also contained provisions for games, sports and athletics, commerce and industries, institutional and infrastructure growth, rehabilitation of Naga national workers, victims of armed conflict etc.

A Times News Network report from Guwahati on September 13 quoting “a top functionary” of NNPGs said the “Agreed Position” signed between the Centre and NNPG for “peaceful coexistence with due regard to contemporary political realities” is ready for implementation. It cited similar provisions. 

A local daily on September 10 also reported in the spirit of inclusiveness and transparency, the NNPGs have distributed “copies of competencies” to all who wanted to learn about the ongoing process and who had were concerned over the issue.