‘Ready to walk out of peace pact if position of Nagas not honoured’Flag issue at finalisation stage : Raising

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Oct 25 :  Senior leader of the NSCN (IM) and member of the collective leadership of the outfit RH Raising, today said that the issue of Flag is at the stage of finalisation while the matter concerning Constitution is still under negotiation and asserted that the NSCN (IM) is ready walk out of the cease-fire in case the position of Nagas is not honoured.
Raising made the remark during a one day public consultative meeting of Naga leaders held at UBC Jubilee hall, Ukhrul, today.
At the function, he continued that the Flag and Constitution are the main ingredients of Naga National identity.
Maintaining that NSCN (IM) is firm on its position, Raising that the Nagas and Government of India have reached some consensus to share power and co-exist which is shared sovereignty.
The Government of India has recognised the 'sovereign rights' of the Nagas for self determination, Raising said while conveying that Naga peace talk is being held on two political principles based on equality and respect of mutual rights.
He also said that the Government of India recognised the unique history of the Nagas after a series of political negotiations.
Stating that Nagas are mission oriented people and have no intention of merging with India or Myanmar, Raising maintained that Nagas have achieved a lot in the over seven decades of struggle for their political rights.
Naga history and Naga identity have also been accepted and recognised by the Government of India, he said and claimed that there will be no peace in the Indian sub-continent without resolving the Naga issue.
Nagas built their "National political foundation" on "Nagalim for Christ" and every peace loving Naga must uphold it, he said and appealed to all the Nagas to stand united in their political movement.
"No Indian law shall bind us," Raising said, referring to the Nagas.
He went on to state that any form of imposition in the Naga region will only  make their movement more vibrant to defend their ancestral land rights.
Raising also acknowledged the contribution of Tangkhuls in the Naga political movement. He recalled that Naga legendary leader R Suisa proposed settlement of Naga political issues but the same was rejected by some Naga political leaders.
Many Tangkhul youth and educated persons got martyred for the cause of Naga political aspiration.
Major General  (Retd) RS Chinaoyo who is a member of steering executive committee of the NSCN (IM) mentioned that Naga peace negotiations have reached a crucial stage and the collective aspiration of Nagas must not be compromised for vested interest. The one day political consultation was attended by Tangkhul CSO leaders, headmen, chairmen, religious leaders, intellectuals and well wishers. The programme ended with a mass prayer seeking blessing for Naga leaders.