Dimapur, April 7 (MExN): “Nagas are known to fiercely protect their independence. It is unlikely that they will agree to be just another state of India,” Socialist Party (India) General Secretary, Sandeep Pandey, and former MLA from Delhi, Pankaj Pushkar stated in a press statement.
Sandeep Pandey and Pankaj Pushkar were part of the ‘Save the Peace’ Dimapur Conclave, which was organised by the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on March 25.
It may be recalled that the conclave adopted a three point resolution which said that, the Indo-Naga political talks must be supported and protected till it achieves the desirable goal of honourable and lasting peace; the Framework Agreement is a solemn commitment between the Naga people and the Government of India to bring about a dignified peace into the hitherto strife-torn land; and since the peace process since 2019 has degenerated it urged the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to take direct control of the negotiation.
Pandey and Pushkar reminded that the “Nagas have honoured their commitment to ceasefire since 1997, and stated, “If at all, the cease fire has been violated by India security forces, like in the abominable massacre of 13 Nagas in Oting, Mon District on December 4, 2021.” They further emphasized the point that “Nagas say that they never attack a civilian. Even if an Indian soldier is in civil uniform no harm will be caused to him. They have never taken their struggle beyond their boundaries. This displays the high integrity of Nagas.”
They suggested that “it will be better if Government of India honours the self-respecting Naga people who have displayed tremendous resilience and patience for over 70 years and have not compromised a bit.”
On the Framework Agreement, they said, “the Agreement could not fructify as GoI is not prepared to accede to the Naga demand of a separate flag and constitution.” It claimed that “Later RN Ravi, as Governor tried to put together another group Naga National People’s Group of seven organisations to counterbalance NSCN (IM). NNPG is agreeable to a solution even without a separate flag and constitution. After vehement protests by NSCN (IM), RN Ravi was transferred to Tamil Nadu and a new interlocutor has replaced him.”
It stated that NSCN (IM) says that accepting a solution without separate flag and constitution would be disrespect to more than a lakh Nagas killed in the political struggle for autonomy. “Naga sentiment is associated with this struggle and NSCN (IM) is believed to be echoing the feelings of Nagas in general,” the duo stated. “NSCN (IM) makes it very clear that they are not asking for complete independence from India. They want to live in co-existence with India with their own constitution and flag. They want a traditional system of tribal self-rule but do not mind sending representatives to Rajya Sabha,” the statement reiterated.
According to them, the choice before Indian government is very stark. Giving autonomy to Nagas can result in a beautiful self-rule system in Nagaland with a harmonious relationship with India. “Not agreeing to their demand will see Nagaland slowly bleeding as we’ve witnessed over more than 70 years with Indian government not just forced to keep their Army here but also continuing with the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act to some extent,” they maintained.
The recent lifting of AFSPA from some parts of Nagaland is a welcome decision but it is inconceivable that Indian government can carry on with its rule without the help of Army here or for that matter in most of the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.
“A self-rule for Nagas will at least free them of the Indian Army presence,” it added.
