Wokha, June 9 (MExN): The Lotha Public Organisation (LPO) today said that the Naga Flag and Constitution invoke “pride and hope” among the people and without the two issues, the Naga political movement would be “incoherent.”
In this connection, a press release from LPO President Sulanthung Humtsoe maintained that the NSCN’s recent affirmation of the resolution “No talk without Naga Flag and Constitution” was appreciated and acknowledged by the organisation and Lothas in general.
At this critical period of Naga political history, every Naga house must hoist the Naga National Flag, it said, further adding that a common ground and conducive environment needs to be created where “Nagas from every walks of lives across the borders land came and play together with acceptance and unison voice to live as one family one people one Nation.”
Further, the LPO said that the criticism on Naga political settlement should stop within “our own families” considering the pulse of the people in Nagaland.
Instead, it would be better to serve ultimatum to Prime Minister of India and Home minister to seek clarification on the agreement between the NSCN and Government of India (GoI), it said.
Implying that there is a negotiated agreement from both sides that the talk should be without any condition from both side at the highest level (PM level) and in a third country (outside India), the LPO asked whether the GoI is adhering to this agreement.
Did the GoI invite the NSCN leaders to engaged the talk at the Prime minister level as per the negotiated settlement agreement? it posed, further asserting that dealing with the Indo-Naga political “issue in the level of interlocutor it will certainly be another ‘Pandora's box’.”
The LPO further stated that the Naga Flag cannot be reduced to cultural symbol of identity, because the Naga struggle is political and the flag a “National identity” and added: “Without flag it is tantamount to be called another betrayal accord of the modern civilisation.”
The Naga issue is a political negotiation, not cultural negotiations, it added.
The LPO further reminded on the “3rd Naga Consultative Meeting” of October 10, 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand, where 73 Naga delegates resolved to “strengthen the peace strategy and solemnly declared to fully support the ongoing political negotiations between the GoI and the NSCN.
The meeting also endorsed the Naga Hoho, the Church and mass-based organisations to continue their leadership of the ongoing peace process and make a clarion call to all Nagas to come forward to support and participate in the peace process for solution to the Indo-Naga political problem, LPO pointed out.
As a matter of fact the Naga solution lies with the Nagas but not with the Indian, it said, noting that collective Naga people's voice is supreme and they need to continue “voicing out their rights (historical, political and God's given rights).”
Accordingly, it asserted that the Naga rights for recognition of Flag and Constitution for “protection of Naga rights, cultural practices, and identity is imperative if we want an honourable and acceptable solution.”
The solution must be based on the Framework agreement (FA) which clearly stated: “Sharing the sovereign power and provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful coexistence of the two entities,” it added.
The LPO further maintained that Naga struggle should not end at the “mercy of GoI, Naga leaders who do not understand about the Naga situation and reality of Naga freedom struggle and yet speak as if they were the master.”
Citing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported statement that “Naga issue is a complex one best be left to GoI and NSCN-IM others must refrain from commenting” and that of ULFA chief Paresh Baruah observation that the situation would deteriorate if the Centre “delayed inking a peace agreement with the influential Naga group NSCN-IM,” the LPO wondered where was Nagas’ support, when outsiders are extending full support towards the Naga political settlement with “bold” statement.
“If the Naga people don't stop the anti-Naga political climate the history will repeat again and bloodshed may come instead of political solution,” LPO cautioned.
It further said that “Indian agency will continue to divide the Naga society” and unless the Nagas stand on the truth of their history, it “would be a disaster and if the present generation forfeit the struggle of the Naga patriots for just mere packages by the GoI.”
“Let good sense prevail and let us avoid provocative statement against each other as we anticipate a common solution for all Naga across border,” it added.
Giving a background including the establishment of Naga National Council (NNC) under the leadership of Angami Zapu Phizo, the August 14, 1947 declaration and the 1951 Referendum, LPO stated that the Naga Flag and Constitution persisted as a “powerful representation of freedom and opportunity with hands over hearts.”
“Nagas of all background and beliefs have long saluted and honoured its legacy. Let us call on each other to remember our obligation to the Naga Nation for which it stands and carry forward the unwavering optimism that defines us,” it added.
