NSCN-IM reaffirms Naga Flag, Constitution as non-negotiable
Imphal/Agartala Oct 22: The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) on Wednesday reaffirmed that the Naga national flag and Constitution remain non-negotiable, while accusing the Union government of “losing the political will” to implement the 2015 Framework Agreement.
NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, visiting his birthplace in Somdal village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district for the first time in five decades, emphasized in a message that these symbols of Naga identity are immutable, irrespective of the times.
“The only honourable political agreement must adhere strictly to the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the 2015 Framework Agreement, which formally recognize Nagalim’s distinct history, sovereignty, territory, national flag, and Constitution,” Muivah stated.
Muivah is expected to remain in Somdal village for about a week, marking his first visit since becoming a key figure in the Naga movement fifty years ago. Several senior NSCN-IM leaders accompanied him to the Tangkhul-dominated district.
The arrival of Muivah has generated widespread excitement among the Tangkhul Naga community, which has long regarded him as a pivotal figure in the Naga political struggle.
Thousands of Nagas, dressed in traditional attire and carrying NSCN-IM flags, welcomed Muivah when his helicopter landed at Bakshi Ground, the district headquarters, after arriving from Dimapur in Nagaland. From there, he proceeded to a specially prepared stage for a grand reception.
A large gathering of Naga men, brandishing traditional spears and wearing customary headgear, assembled to greet Muivah, who has been a central negotiator in peace talks with the Indian government since the NSCN-IM entered a ceasefire in 1997.
In his message, Muivah reiterated that the July 2002 Communiqué and the August 2015 Framework Agreement, which acknowledge Nagalim’s unique history, sovereignty, national flag, and Constitution, remain the only legitimate basis for an honourable political settlement with India.
“These documents unite Nagas everywhere. I call upon all Nagas to stand firm, unwavering, and join the national salvation effort guided by the principles of these agreements,” the veteran leader said. He also extended his gratitude to the international community for consistently supporting Nagalim and the Naga people.
Muivah stressed that the NSCN has approached the negotiating table in accordance with international norms, patiently upholding the spirit and letter of the peace process for 28 years.
“Yet, India, having lost the political will to honour the Framework Agreement, is intentionally pushing Nagalim toward conflict through betrayals and divisive tactics,” he alleged.
He vowed that NSCN-IM would not compromise Nagalim’s sovereignty and history, and would continue striving for a final political settlement based on the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement. Muivah further warned that any Naga national workers or leaders who disregard or betray these principles would be considered traitors to Nagalim and its people.
Since the 1997 ceasefire, the Union government has been engaged in talks with NSCN-IM and other Naga groups, including the signing of the 2015 Framework Agreement. In 2017, the government also negotiated with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), a coalition of at least seven Naga factions, culminating in the Agreed Position in November of that year.
Despite these efforts, NSCN-IM has consistently maintained its demand for a separate Naga flag and Constitution, as well as the integration of Naga-inhabited areas across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and parts of Myanmar—a demand repeatedly rejected by the Centre. (With inputs from IANS)
