Naga right to self-determination

The agreements – the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position – between the Government of India and the NPGs are meant primarily to serve as the basic outlines for negotiation by drawing the positions of both the entities like the preamble to a constitution. Both the agreements explicitly state that the Government of India recognizes the historical and political rights of the Naga people to determine their own future in consonance with their distinct identity. This recognition implicitly implies that we possess the right to live together as one people with our own flag and our own anthem. These are integral parts of our history and identity as a sovereign people. Any move to contradict these basic rights cannot happen without twisting the meaning of the right to self-determination.
We have our own lands and territory; however, some elements with vested interests among the Naga society have either sadly mistaken or deliberately misinterpreted the purpose and function of these agreements. Even the so-called architect and champion of the “16-Point Agreement” has repeatedly expressed his antagonism to the notion of the integration of the Naga inhabited areas. It is indeed unfortunate for the Nagas that just to please his Masters in Delhi, he has gone to the extent of even turning a blind eye to clause 13 of the agreement itself which clearly makes a provision for “the consolidation of contiguous Naga areas”.
Both the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position are political agreements committed to seeking long term honorable political settlement. They are not meant to explore “early solution” in terms of economic and related development packages. For the signatories, the terms of the agreements and subsequent competencies that need to be negotiated have to embody the spirit of the Naga national movement which was originally envisioned by the pioneering leaders of the Naga National Council. An honorable, inclusive and acceptable solution must safeguard Naga identity, unity and right to self-determination to enable both the parties to move forward with dignity.
Zhopra Vero
Kedahge, NNC/FGN