There are different opinions on Framework Agreement among the Nagas; but if the Framework Agreement is the road map for sovereignty and integration then all Nagas will welcome it
Kharingyo Shimrah
Ukhrul, Manipur
Allow me to express what I feel, under Art 19 of Indian constitution. As we know, since the signing of framework Agreement on August 3, 2015; it has been one of the much talk about issue within and outside the Naga public domain. The Naga people believe that the final settlement of Indo-Naga conflict should be based on their principle, historical rights and political will. The Naga neither demand anything from India nor from Burma but we want them to recognise our ‘Naga national right. We know that Naga should follow certain step for recognition our nation state; Indian government can neither give complete sovereignty to Naga people nor they can take away our sovereignty but Naga sovereignty always belong to only Nagas. Every Naga must understand that Indian ruling party can’t grant Naga sovereignty; the best way they can help us is to recognised our sovereignty and co-exist as two-entities until we have attained the characteristic of nation state. But the question is; how can we go exist with government of India without compromising Naga national right? In fact, to co-exist in one nation by applying two nations theory is very complicated question, indeed. As we know, both the parties have been exploring the best possibility for many decades; they come to the point of Framework Agreement as a result of more than 80 rounds of talk. I appreciated the spirit of Nagas leaders who has been trying to find a peaceful and reasonable solution, they never lose hope, they believe in God, Naga People and Government of India. Thereby, they opt for win-win policy.
What is win-win policy in Indo-Naga peace talk? India will never ever compromise her security and we the Naga will never ever compromise our national right (sovereignty). The simple question is; what is the best solution or the meeting point for both the parties when they have taken strong stand for each side? The only possible solution is finding meeting point; and the meeting point is, to recognised Naga sovereignty by government of India. On the other hand, Naga should respect Indian security interest to protect Indian Territory from foreign invasion. Thereby, they have signed an agreement by applying win-win policy called Framework Agreement; where, Indian has recognised Naga sovereignty and admitted to co-exist as two entities under shared-sovereignty model. On the other hand, Naga will honour her strategic security policy for protecting Indian Territory. Thereby, both the party have agreed on the point of Shared-Sovereignty. My countrymen, we should understand that what is achievable now should be taken, and what is not as of now should be left to the future generations. Trust me; if Naga want to become independent nation then they need recognition from other countries especially in veto power nation. Thereby, the truth is; no Indian ruling party can give like the Modiji led NDA government has given 80% of Nagas demand and the less 20% has to be settled in UNO with the help of Indian government.
Thereby, NSCN-IM and RN Ravi speaks about ‘shared sovereignty’ and ‘two equal entities’ I have a feeling that the probable agreement would be outside the existing Constitutions of India. Because in my understanding of Shared sovereignty is two nation theories; but it is highly likely to be within the framework of the Indian Union which has to be further analyzed carefully. I sense, although the probable is outside the constitution of India, it is unlikely to reflect to the concept of ‘two equal entities’ in the real sense of the term. Let me tell you the truth “the best way for Nagas is; to follow certain procedure, from Shared-Sovereignty to complete sovereignty” because, no other factions in Nagalim or No Indian political party can come to this point anymore in the near future. Don’t miss this opportunity; this might be the last bus for Naga to voyage their destiny. The best choice is in the hand of Naga people; you can live as Indian citizen permanently by enjoying 16 Point Agreement in Nagaland or else you can choose as Naga Nation –State. I will be grateful to the so called collective leadership of NSCN-IM, if they can complete 80% of the solution in their life time and left 20% to the future generation in the final settlement.
Lastly, did the Indian government have second thought on Framework Agreement? I doubt! We have seen different shades of opinions on the Naga peace process in general and the Framework Agreement in particular. We admit that the beauty of Naga people lies in our differences; It has been a long cherish dream of every Naga citizens, including young and old, Naga scholars, Naga intellects, apex Civil body (Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA, ENPO, UNC) that the final solution should be based on our principal, Naga historical right and political will. Naga people believe that Framework Agreement will turn into final settlement or peace accord; under which they wants to protect their national identities, resources, to maintain self-governance, separate flag, separate constitution, separate supreme court, so on and so forth. Nagas have only one demand and our demand is same! No matter, how many factions are there. Naga people love all the Naga National workers equally, but in current political scenario Naga civil societies are giving their support to the negotiation party because they represent Naga people in political talk with Indian Government.
To conclude, I feel that it will not be so easy for some section of naga people to accept it without knowing the prose-coin of the content. Naga civil societies want them to include all shareholders on boat for final settlement. Lastly but not a least, if the Naga identity as a nation is constitutionally recognized and protected by the Government of India, then I will appreciate and respect both the two conflicting parties for understanding the limitations of each other. As for me and for all Naga citizenry who shared same though, the Framework Agreement is welcomed. Kuknalim!
