Dimapur, May 29 (MExN): The Naga Rising (TNR) today stated that the apparent differences over the nature of recognising a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas “should not be a reason to deny a solution to the people.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi should deliver on the election promise of honourable solution, it said.
As per the TNR, the assertion was based on its understanding that the use of flag and constitution has not been completely rejected in the ongoing talks; but rather the Government of India (GoI) has made a “counter-offer to recognise a cultural flag and the Naga Yezhabo.”
Accordingly, it underscored that the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) cannot afford to “throw away everything that has been gained over these many years of peace talks” while “fighting is no longer a viable option.”
“The GoI, on its part, should be sincere and honest in acknowledging the history and situation of the Naga struggle,” it said.
To this end, the TNR appealed both the GoI and the Naga negotiators to “explore the full range of possibilities towards a peaceful agreement by exhibiting utmost flexibility and accommodation.”
It further contended that all sides should evolve some modalities on the question of “recognising the Naga flag and constitution to consolidate the hard earned peace.”
While public consultation and opinion of stakeholders are welcome, in the end, the negotiating parties- the GoI and the NPGs, should be allowed to “work out the final content and modality,” it said.
Thereafter, the finalised content or competencies negotiated with the GoI should be shared with the Naga public before signing as the support of the people would be most vital for its success, it added.
Further, the TNR said that “solution that honours Naga people and respect their political rights’ reportedly pledged by Prime Minister Modi during an election rally in Tuensang, in February 2018, must be delivered.
Whatever disagreement that may exist even at this late stage, the way forward towards an honourable and mutually acceptable solution is Mutual Understanding and Accommodation,” it expressed.
During the signing of the Framework Agreement, Prime Minister “described as unfortunate the fact that ‘the Naga problem has taken so long to resolve because we did not understand each other,’ but now much will depend on his “wisdom and magnanimity” to address the long felt aspirations of the Naga people, it added.
It further reminded that the former Prime Minister (late) Atal Bihari Vajpayee on several occasions mentioned about “peace with dignity and honour” while referring to the Naga issue.
Accordingly, the hard earned peace process and the Naga people’s investment and trust over the years to find an honourable solution should not be undermined by anyone, it said.
“We trust that Prime Minister Modi will take a final decision that is a win-win for all sides,” it added.
