Dimapur, April 15 (MExN): The Naga-American Council (NAC) has clarified that its position on the Naga Flag, has been subject to “misinterpretation and misquotation” and it recognises the “Naga Flag as a symbol of the unique history and cultural identity of the Naga people.”
“We understand that the Flag holds different meanings and depths to different individuals, and we respect this diversity,” the organisation clarified in a statement received here.
“However, Dame Grace Collins, Honorary President of Nagalim wants to clarify she never said in any press statement that she considered the Naga Flag to be solely cultural,” added the statement dated April 14.
“She also maintains she is not affiliated with any one faction but represents all Nagas residing in India and Burma,” it added.
As the NAC statement, “these assertions were brought up” during the meetings of the NSCN (IM) with the Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, AK Mishra on April 13 in Chümoukedima.
“Collins has purposely stayed neutral on the issue but understands the Naga Flag embodies 75 years of aspirations towards the achievement of the Nagas' own sovereignty and self-determination,” the NAC said.
The official position of NAC as summarised by Dr Thomas A. Cellucci, “Honorary Prime Minister of Nagalim,” is: "We believe in the respect of a people's right to their identity and allegiNACe for their own flag, as well as the mutual tolerNACe and dignity of others' right to do the same," it added.
Observing that Naga Flag holds for the Naga people, it called upon the Indian Government to “approach the Naga Flag issue with delicate compassion and recognize its importNACe as a personal issue to the soul of the Naga people.”
The NAC also lauded both parties for maintaining peace in Nagalim territories for the last 26 years.”
