NSCN (I-M) said that the flag represents the love of the Naga people for freedom and “enormous amount of effort, dedication and hard work”. It represents how the Nagas have poured their blood, sweat and tears to stand by God’s given identity as a Naga nation, said the outfit under peace negotiation with the government of India since 1997.
TFM Desk
National Socialist Council of Nagalim or the NSCN (I-M) has once again reiterated its resolute stand on its demands for a separate Naga flag and its own Yehzabo (Constitution).
In the editorial of its bulletin Nagalim Voice, titled ‘Irreversible stand on the Naga flag’, the NSCN (I-M) said that the Naga people’s “spirit of patriotism” should not be confronted in such a manner to undermine the “love of Naga nation”.
“We have come a long way hoisting and waving the Naga national flag which is associated with patriotism and national identity. The national flag of Nagalim represents the nation as an entity. It represents the political struggle of the Naga people held under forceful occupation of the Indian armed forces”, said the editorial.
NSCN (I-M) said that the flag represents the love of the Naga people for freedom and “enormous amount of effort, dedication and hard work”. It represents how the Nagas have poured their blood, sweat and tears to stand by God’s given identity as a Naga nation, said the editorial.
It stated that no people with self-respect would take the “treacherous step” to forego national flag just to expedite the process of Naga political solution. The Government of India’s representative for Naga peace talks AK Mishra may take his time to come to Nagaland to strike a deal with the Naga Political Groups. However, the stand of the NSCN (I-M) is “loud and clear” that it is not going to destroy Naga history at this crucial stage by betraying Naga identity and “surrender” before the Government of India.
Giving up the demand for flag and constitution is “wicked and abominable to the Nagas”, said NSCN (I-M) while adding that the government of India should be sensitive and not resort to political cruelty on the Nagas “hoping against hope that the Nagas will eventually succumb to the pressure or temptation”, said NSCN (I-M).
“Such a far- fetched pressure is exercise in futility. For the same reason, the Nagas will stand by the Naga constitution (Yehzabo)”, reiterated the NSCM (I-M).
It is worth recalling that the formal political talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the government of India had concluded in October 2019. However, the final pact was yet to be inked as the government of India was to concede to the demands of a separate Naga flag and constitution.