Flag, Constitution define our identity, asserts NSCN (IM)

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 31 : The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has resolved to uphold and protect Naga 'unique  history' and its principle 'at any cost' during its Emergency National Assembly held today at Camp Hebron near Dimapur.
During the assembly, the Isak Muivah faction of NSCN also reaffirmed the declaration of Nagalim for  Christ, resolved to observe the third Sunday in October as Naga National Prayer Day, oppose any attempt to 'impose one's faith upon others and forbid 'forcible conversion of faith in any manner.'
In a statement signed by its chairman Q Tuccu, vice chairman Tongmeth Wangnao and general secretary Th Muivah, the NSCN (IM) said that the "Nagalim's Emergency National Assembly was held amidst tense moments and spontaneous upsurge of emotion."
It also said that the "Indo-Naga political dialogue is in deadlock on the core issue of Flag and Constitution."
At the assembly, chairman of NSCN (IM) Q Tuccu   said that they were compelled to convene the assembly as the Government of India expressed its opposition to honour the usage of 'Naga National identity being symbolised by Flag and Constitution.'
Asking how they can forfeit the 'Naga National Flag and Constitution in the name of political solution,' Q Tuccu  asserted that the political identity that defines Naga can never be compromised in the name of Naga political settlement.
"We cannot be made a laughing stock before the world    by tamely succumbing to pressure or temptation."
Recalling that the NSCN (IM) signed the 'historic' Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 by taking into consideration the 'Naga people's sovereign right and dignity,' the NSCN (IM) chairman claimed that they applied their historical and political intuition while signing the agreement.
"Unfortunately, there are forces at work who are trying  to undermine the political significance of Framework Agreement by 'giving wrongful interpretation with bewildering comments to suit their selfish agenda in collusion with the Government of India,"' he claimed and added that  some political leaders also 'maliciously propagated that Naga Flag and Constitution, including integration are not mentioned in the Framework Agreement.'
Claiming that some Naga leaders stooped themselves low and passed demeaning and unhealthy comments against the sanctity of Naga political issue after gathering  subtle hints from their "Delhi based bosses," Q Tuccu said ,"We  cannot allow these people to defile Naga political agreement with flattering promises as done in the past."
He also claimed that NSCN (IM) members are the torch bearers of Naga political movement and they will stand to  defend their God's given rights as it will define the future of 'Naga Nation.' "We must stand by one another as we take courage and support from God under the banner of Nagalim for Christ  by recommitting ourselves to do His will," it added.