Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 9
A senior government official has said that the Government of India is ready to incorporate the Yehzabo, the Naga constitution, into the Indian constitution and has agreed for a civil and cultural flag for the Nagas, according to a report published by The Hindu, a national daily newspaper.
“The Yehzabo will be incorporated into the Indian constitution by presenting a Bill in Parliament. As far as flag is concerned, it will only be used for civil and cultural functions, but not in any government function,” the report stated, quoting the unnamed senior government official.
According to the report, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton who, along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is in Delhi to hold talks with AK Mishra, the Centre’s Interlocutor for the Naga Peace Talks, said that the Naga issue should be resolved before the Assembly elections that are due in March 2023.
“The Centre is clear that there cannot be two constitutions and two flags in the country. The NSCN-IM is stuck on the demand for a separate flag and constitution,” it said, quoting Patton.
Patton is also said to have met President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday and explained the progress made in the talks.
As per The Hindu, Patton said that the integration of Naga-inhabited areas in other States with the existing State of Nagaland has been ruled out by Government of India.
“If a final agreement is signed before the elections, an interim government may be in place for few months till the final elections are held. If NSCN-IM wants, they could also participate in the elections,” it quoted Patton.
Among others, Patton hoped that a solution is reached before the Assembly elections as it was the demand of the people too and they might agitate if talks are prolonged. The deputy Chief Minister added that the Centre was keen to resolve the issue and the Prime Minister has shown keen interest in the development of the region, The Hindu reported.
Patton said the Niki Sumi group of NSCN with which Centre extended ceasefire a day ago does not have any separate demand, it said, while quoting him as saying: “Whenever a solution is reached, he (Niki) will be there for the people.”
