Solve Naga issue echoed at FA anniversary
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, August 04 2024:
United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga civil organisation of Manipur on Saturday observed the 9th anniversary of signing of the Framework Agreement between central government and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) .
Addressing the gathering at its Senapati town office, UNC president Ng Lorho yearned for materialisation of the long-awaited political solution based on the FA of August 3, 2015 .
He continued that FA accepted Indo-Naga issue as a 'political conflict', clearly stating that it recognises unique history and position of the Nagas, signifying that Nagas have never been a part of India or Myanmar, or any other power, neither by consent nor by conquest.
The UNC president said FA agreed to share sovereign power between the sovereign Indian people and the sovereign Naga people to facilitate enduring inclusive new relation of peaceful co-existence of Indians and Nagas embracing all Nagas wherever they are, including all political groups.
Lorho further asserted that as flag and constitution are a constituent part of sovereignty there should be no ambiguity about it while reminding the gathering that the FA was signed by NSCN-IM as an independent entity and an independent nation with the central government and not as a subordinate of the Union of India.
The president, however, lamented that even after nine years of signing FA, it is yet to be implemented and questioned the centre's political will and sincerity.
He also reminded the central government that the tolerance and patience of the Nagas cannot be taken as weakness and warned that in the event of any collapse of political talks, it shall be held responsible.
Pointing out that Nagas look forward to swift and amicable solution to a logical conclusion, Lorho affirmed that Nagas can never be divided by any artificial district, state or international boundaries, nor allow despair to overcome the Nagas but shall stand our ground on Naga national principle and remain united, no matter what may come.
On the other hand, UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang termed as devastating that despite FA being signed in the eyes of the world with pomp and gaiety on the principle of shared sovereignty no tangible solution has been reached even after a lapse of nine years.
He mentioned that August 3 is observed throughout Nag-alim as a day of thanksgiving to the Almighty God for leading Nagas thus far and most importantly to seek God's intervention to help conclude an honourable and acceptable political agreement between the two entities, i.e., India and Naga.
Noting that political dialogue has run deep into limbo over flag and constitution, Shatsang asserted that the flag signifies the most sacred symbol of the Naga people-hood and the constitution is considered as our guiding principles that outline a way forward with mutual respect amongst nations.
The programme saw an invocation prayer by Naga Women Union president Ch Priscilla Thiumai, patriotic song presented by M Kadanbui Thangal, thanksgiving prayer by MBC Mao Taphou pastor M Pfokreni, vote of thanks by UNC finance secretary Ch Loli Sheshuna and benediction prayer by SKABU president reverend K Daniel.
UNC executives, and representatives of ANSAM( NWU, NPMHR, KS Town Committee, former UNC president, church leaders, NPO, SDWA and others also attended the event.