Nagas must keep their flag and constitution, says NSCN-IM chief

In a speech delivered, the 86-year-old stated that as per the 2015 Framework Agreement (FA) signed between the outfit and Government of India, Nagas can co-exist with India, but will not merge with it.

Updated on: Aug 15, 2020, 02:11:50 IST

Hindustan Times, Guwahati | By Utpal Parashar, GUWAHATI

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National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) chief Thuingaleng Muivah on Friday reiterated the demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution.

In his speech, Muivah mentioned about the FA, which spoke of “inclusive peaceful coexistence of the two entities sharing sovereign power”.

In a speech delivered, the 86-year-old stated that as per the 2015 Framework Agreement (FA) signed between the outfit and Government of India, Nagas can co-exist with India, but will not merge with it.

“We are not asking Naga national flag and constitution from the government of India. Recognize them or not, we have our own flag and constitution. Flag and constitution are ingredients of our recognized sovereign entity and the symbols of Naga nationhood. The Nagas must keep their flag and constitution,” Muivah said.

The statement comes at a time when another round of meetings to thrash out a final agreement for the decades-old Naga political issue is set to begin in New Delhi from next week in which senior NSCN-IM and NNPGs leaders are expected to take part.

In his speech, Muivah mentioned about the FA, which spoke of “inclusive peaceful coexistence of the two entities sharing sovereign power”.

“The Nagas will co-exist with India sharing sovereign powers as agreed in FA and defined in the competencies. But they will not merge with India,” Muivah said.

The biggest and oldest of the Naga rebel outfits, NSCN-IM had been in peace talks with GoI since 1997 and signed a Framework Agreement (FA) in 2015, which was to be the basis for a final deal on the long pending Naga issue.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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