NSCN (I-M) has strongly reacted to the remarks made by the government of India’s Interlocutor to the Naga political talks and also Governor of Nagaland R.N. Ravi in an interview to Nagaland Post; wherein he accused the group of misinterpreting the Framework Agreement with “new and mischievous interpretations” so as to delay solution because it was “not prepared for a settlement.”
In a wordy rejoinder NSCN (I-M), through its MIP, termed Naga talks interlocutor, R.N. Ravi’s statement as “immature and malicious” by reiterating that it does not consider the Framework Agreement as “contentious” or ambiguous but one in which the foundation for solving the “decades old Indo-Naga conflict” was recognized by respecting “each other’s history and sharing of sovereignty or sovereign powers between two entities.”
Further NSCN (I-M) asserted that during the negotiations Ravi agreed that the statutory Pan Naga Hoho (PNH) shall be part of the political Agreement and recognized that integration of all Naga areas as the “legitimate rights” of the Naga people. Therefore, NSCN (I-M) maintained that it was surprised by Ravi’s remark that the Framework Agreement was “contentious.”
It also said that during negotiations both sides had “mutually agreed and concluded that the political power of a government including, Legislative, Executive and Judiciary, shall be with the Naga Government” covering all Naga areas with powers exercised by the Naga government “ on the mutually agreed competencies”.
NSCN (I-M) also said that the only contentious issue was the “Naga National Flag”, while the anthem, emblem and insignia were already agreed to by the government of India.
The issue of flag and constitution was not a deviation from the Framework Agreement and the Pan Naga Hoho was in fact, the official proposal of the government of India, said NSCN (I-M).
NSCN (I-M) went on to say that even on several occasions during political talks,, the Interlocutor had proposed that Naga national flag be used in Pan Naga Hoho but which it turned down on the ground that the Naga national flag should be with the Naga government and not a social or cultural body.
NSCN (I-M) also said the final agreement shall constitute a constitution to be “called Yehzabo (Naga constitution), covering the areas of its own competencies”.
On this NSCN (I-M) said it has been sincerely working for a final acceptable and honourable political solution to uphold the national identity of Nagas which include Naga national flag and constitution and so its position was not a misinterpretation or dilution of the Framework Agreement.