New Delhi: The representatives of different Naga groups on Thursday reiterated their demand to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognition of a separate Naga flag and Constitution.
The members from Naga Mothers' Association and Global Naga Forum have jointly submitted a memorandum to the PM in support of their demand.
The Naga Mothers' Association president Abeiu Meru said that Nagas await a settlement from the ongoing political negotiation between India and the Naga Political Group (NPG).
"The unsuccessful attempts of the past to establish peace through various accords, agreements and arrangements do not discourage us. However, it clearly indicates that it has not benefited both India and the Nagas," said Meru.
The Naga leaders also demanded the integration of the contiguous traditional homeland.
"The recognition of the rights and history of the Nagas be it in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Myanmar must be respected," the Naga leaders said.
Referring to the issue of the Naga flag, the leaders added that it is not just symbolism, but a banner that unites the Nagas people irrespective of tribe, age, gender, political groups, and affiliation.
Also read: Scrub Typhus disease in Noklak district of Nagaland
"It is a part of Naga identity and our long history of struggle. Thousands have laid their lives under the banner of the Naga Flag and we demand that our Naga flag be recognised," the leaders said.
On the issue of a separate Naga Constitution, the representatives said that it is not a book of the law.
"The Naga Constitution will be a living document that reflects our values and philosophy, to guide us as people and protect our customs and traditions, out land and resources from any form of exploitation," they said.
It may be mentioned here that the Government of India has already ruled out the possibility of giving a separate flag and Constitution for the Nagas. In fact, these two factors have become the stumbling block for the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks.
The talks which have been going on since 1997, were supposed to come to an end last year. But the demand for a separate Naga flag and Constitution have halted the negotiation.
Of late, Naga groups (especially NSCN-IM) have also demanded the removal of incumbent interlocutor RN Ravi from the peace process. The Naga groups have raised their objections on a few statements given by Ravi, who is also the Nagaland Governor.
Interestingly, in August the NSCN-IM also released the framework agreement document signed with the Central government in 2015. It is believed that the removal of Ravi as an interlocutor was the main reason behind making the FA public.
Also read: Nagaland partially lifts ban on import of pigs
The NSCN also accused Ravi that he has "doctored" the original agreement.
The NSCN chief negotiator Thunglang Muivah (NSCN-IM chairman) has also been campaigning in the national capital for the last several weeks.
Opposition leader in the Nagaland Assembly, TR Zeliang accompanied by eight Naga People's Front (NPF) has also been campaigning in the national capital to meet Home Ministry officials over Naga peace talks.
The Naga leaders also demanded a final agreement based on the historic framework agreement of August 2015 with a mutual understanding.
