UNC observes 8th anniversary of Indo-Naga FA
Source: Chronicle News Service / NNN

Senapati, August 03 2023: The United Naga Council (UNC) observed the 8th anniversary of the In-do-Naga Framework Agreement (FA), 2015 at its office at Tahamzam (Senapati) in the presence of different Naga civil society organisations.

Addressing the gathering, UNC general secretary Varei-yo Shatsang said socio-cultural existence of the Nagas has been unique and the Nagas were guided by a common desire and expressed freewill to exist as 'One people, One Nation' .

Each Naga village functions as independent democratic and sovereign republic, he added.

The Nagas were independent before the advent of the British and no argument is needed to show that the Nagas are a separate people with their own customs, traditions and culture.

The Nagas' ancestral domains were neither conquered nor by consent and thus the movement for self-determination gained momentum with the signing of ceasefire in 1997 and the subsequent Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 recognising the unique history and position of the Nagas.

However, the fate of the Framework Agreement hangs in balance as the commitment of the Government of India fluctuates wildly every now and then particularly on Naga national flag and constitution, Vareiyo Shatsang said.

In the event of failure of the talk, the UNC general secretary stated, people have to work for survival strategy as the fight is going to be tough but it is to be noted that Naga movement is not a contest of strength as it is a matter of right and wrong, just and unjust.

Therefore, the truth shall triumph in the long run and no sacrifice is too great when it comes to defending the people's inalienable rights, he mentioned.

Special prayer session for logical settlement of Indo-Naga political issue was led by Rev K Daniel, president, Senapati Karong Area Baptist Union.

In his concluding remark, former UNC president Samson Remei called 3rd August, 2015 as historic day and landmark achievement for all Nagas.

The event was also attended by representatives of Naga Women's Union, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (South), Naga People's Organization, Senapati District Women's Association, Senapati District Students' Association and others.

Meanwhile, ANSAM reaffirmed its support to the Framework Agreement and lauded the visionary and selfless sacrifices of the collective leadership of NSCN-IM to have signed Framework Agreement with the Government of India on August 3, 2015 to bring an end to the old protracted political struggle of the Nagas with recognition of the Naga Flag, Constitution and Integration.

While acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi for signing the historic FA under his visionary statesmanship and sheer determination to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue, ANSAM expressed their deep concern for not implementing the FA in letter and spirit after eight years of signing the agreement.

It appealed to the Government of India for necessary and immediate expedition of the impending Indo-Naga settlement based on "Framework Agreement" signed with recognition of 'Naga Flag, Constitution and Integration' of the Naga people.

While reiterating that any settlement without ensuring the unique history of the Nagas and outside the Framework Agreement will not address the political aspirations of the Nagas, ANSAM urged the Government of India to respect the FA and expedite the solution.

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