Nagas strongly opposed to forced union : Tuccu

GUWAHATI, Oct 20
A day after Interlocutor for the Naga peace talks, RN Ravi stated that the NSCN (I-M) has adopted a procrastinating attitude to delay the settlement raising the contentious symbolic issues of separate Naga National flag and constitution, NSCN (IM) alleged that the Government of India is creating fear psychosis in Nagalim by deploying thousands of armed forces personnel.
President of NSCN (IM) Q Tuccu in a statement stated that in keeping with the universal principle of democracy on sovereignty, the Government of India has recognized the sovereignty of the Nagas stating that sovereignty of the Nagas is with the Naga people. However, the Nagas and the Indians will not be totally separated. The two people will live together on the basis of the principle of co-existence of the two entities with shared-sovereignty.
He added that by virtue of the Framework Agreement, the Nagas will coexist with the Union of India as two entities as different kind of flowers bloom together. At no point of time, the Nagas have agreed to live within the Union of India. And all Interlocutors of the Government of India acknowledged that fact. The Nagas will associate with India in many fields as two entities.
“We understand that the spirit of living together, cooperation and coordination builds the world whereas the spirit of opposition and confrontation destroys it. Therefore, we have chosen the path of living together with India with the spirit of cooperation and coordination”.
He further said, “The Nagas are strongly opposed to forced Union. We are aware that forced Union will certainly breed fighting and killing within the box. The Government of India is creating fear psychosis in Nagalim by deploying thousands of armed forces personnel. We do not see war situation here. The spirit of peace dominates the hearts of the people for twenty two (22) years, which I believe, is a prelude to a permanent peace in the land. If Government of India chooses military option to dictating the negotiating team, that will not be the end of the matter. The issue will remain alive and kicking. The Nagas are always for a negotiated settlement based on the doctrine of mutual consent and recognition of rights. I believe the present Indian leadership will not commit the mistake of their past leaders.”
The president added, " after coming so close to the point of conclusion, we are facing hurdles on the issues of Naga flag and constitution. The Indian authorities who deal with the talks are also well informed that the Indo-Naga political solution without Naga flag and constitution is not conclusive and that will create a room for future headache. We are looking for a lasting solution".
“The Framework Agreement will certainly bring an honorable and acceptable solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga political conflict as it addresses the security concern of India as well as the historical and political rights of the Nagas. It will open up a new era of harmonious peaceful coexistence for the Indians and the Nagas,” the president of NSCN-IM in a statement added.
Ravi in a statement on Friday said, “They have mischievously dragged in the Framework Agreement and began imputing imaginary contents to it”.
Ravi who is also the Governor of Nagaland said that settlement, including all the substantive issues and competencies, is ready for inking the final agreement.
He added, “Some NSCN (I-M) leaders through various media platforms are misleading the people with absurd assumptions and presumptions over what they have already agreed with the Government of India”.
Ravi held a detailed consultation meeting with the primary stakeholders of the Naga society on the 18th October 2019 in Kohima. The meeting was attended by the apex leadership of all the 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland, all the minority non-Naga tribes of Nagaland, the Nagaland GB (Goan Burah) Federation, the Nagaland Tribes Council, the Church leaders and Civil Society Organizations. The Framework Agreement with the (NSCN I-M) and the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of NNPGs  were extensively shared with the leaders, pertinent issues discussed and doubts on competencies clarified.
Ravi added, “Respecting the Naga people’s wishes, the Government of India is determined to conclude the Peace Process without delay. Endless negotiation under the shadow of guns is not acceptable.”
Courtesy Economic Times