WC of NNPGs in a statement issued by its Media Cell reminded that prior to the “enforced legislative, executive and judiciary ahzas, sourced from the Indian constitution”, every Naga and every village practised their own set of “unblemished customary laws and procedures” which guided all members including every village in the vintage village-republic status where each practised their own Yehzabo(constitution) on which rested the spirit of Naga freedom, independence and nationhood.
WC said the Naga constitution(Yehzabo) in the Naga context, was deeply ingrained in the colourful inter-tribe fabric that differentiated Nagas from their neighbours. WC said while the demand for Naga constitution or Yehzabo sounded “patriotic and nationalistic” yet on February 29,2012 at Agri-Expo 4th Mile, NSCN(I-M) leader Th.Muivah had admitted that sovereignty and Naga integration “were impossible at the present time.”It said Muivah clearly meant that “artificial boundaries will remain yet honourable and acceptable political solution” and which also meant alternative political arrangement for Nagas in Manipur, Arunachal and Assam.
WC therefore, demanded that Nagas be clearly told on whether an already drafted constitution is put forward for acceptance or the right to frame the constitution was being demanded from the government of India.
It dismissed as figment of imagination any thought that Nagas would accept a constitution of Yehzabo that hinged on demolishing centuries-old Naga heritage to give way to discarded political principles and philosophies that blinded failed dictators and despots in the past hundred years or so.
WC asked whether Naga tribes converged and empowered their own very best brains to the Naga constitution drafting committee? And where was the Naga constitution and who had drafted it?
It reiterated that Naga constitution must be drafted by a committee drawn from the pool of distinguished men and women from every Naga tribe. WC said Naga people cannot accept alien document as Naga constitution as it will not serve the purpose.
It said whether the government of India acknowledges or deny it, the Naga Yehzabo will have to come from the people and that, till Nagas agree to scrutinize, sanction and approve it with absolute conviction, any Naga Yehzabo or constitution and whosoever claims ownership of it will not be acceptable.
WC reminded that younger Naga generation would certainly question the wisdom of leaders if their future was again thrown into turmoil and conflict situation. WC said NNPG has so far held 55 rounds of political talks with the government of India after which the latter accepted the political and historical right of the Nagas to self-determination in consonance with the distinct Naga identity. It added that absolute and sovereign rights of Nagas over certain competencies was clear and Naga should be prepared to understand contemporary political realities.
WC said the Indian leadership under prime minister Narendra Modi having overwhelming mandate has exhibited wisdom, maturity and commitment to solve the “Indo-Naga political problem.”
WC said both entities agreed, that all unresolved issues shall be pursued through continuous democratic process while Nagas must embrace what is honourable and acceptable today, for the sake of the upcoming generations.