SENAPATI, Aug 3: Recalling the signing of the historic Framework Agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) in New Delhi on August 3, 2015, the United Naga Council (UNC) on Sunday urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the “fundamental principles” of the accord and reminded the Centre to uphold its commitment to “shared sovereignty”.
In a statement issued on the 10th anniversary of the agreement, the UNC said the pact was based on the Government of India’s recognition of the “unique history and position of the Nagas”.
By “unique history”, the UNC explained, it was acknowledged that the Nagas have a history of independence – having never been part of the Union of India or Burma (Myanmar), nor subjugated by consent or conquest.
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By “unique position”, it meant that the situation in Nagalim is political in nature and not a mere law-and-order problem, it added.
Quoting from the Framework Agreement, the UNC underlined that “both sides understood each other’s positions and are cognisant of the universal democratic principle that sovereignty lies with the people”.
It asserted that the sovereignty of Nagalim lies with the Naga people and that the concept of shared sovereignty implies sovereign powers would be shared by the Indian people and the Naga people as defined in the competencies agreed upon.
Recognising the distinct national identity of the Nagas, the statement said the Framework Agreement proposed an enduring, inclusive and new relationship of peaceful co-existence between the two entities.
“Inclusive” here embraces all Nagas wherever they are, including all political groups, while “new relationship” signifies a bond based on the Agreement, the UNC explained.
“Co-existence”, it added, means harmonious living of the Indian people and the Naga people as two entities.
On pending issues such as the Naga national flag and constitution, the UNC said these are universally acknowledged as constituent parts of sovereignty.
“There is no ambiguity about it,” the organisation stated, asserting that the Government of India should stop “buying time through talks” and instead “walk the talk” to ensure lasting peace and stability in the subcontinent.
The UNC called upon all Naga people and stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in upholding the spirit of the Framework Agreement as negotiations move forward. (NNN)
