Ukhrul: In support of the eight years old Framework Agreement (FA) signed between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), tens of thousands of Nagas took part in a peace rally in the Naga hills of Manipur on Wednesday.
Organised by Tangkhul Naga Long in Ukhrul headquarters under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), the peace rally was simultaneously held across the Naga inhabited district headquarters in Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong.
In Ukhrul chapter, the rally which started from two venues, one from Dungrei Junction, Hungpung and the other from Mission Ground, Hunphun, the mammoth crowd later congregated at TKS office, opposite to Ukhrul Mini Secretariat.
According to organisers, at least 13,000 Tangkhuls, mostly dressed in their traditional attires, took part in the peace rally to support the Indo-Naga political issue based on the historic Framework Agreement 2015.
Mentioned may be made that the historic Framework Agreement was signed between the GOI and NSCN-IM in August 3, 2015 at New Delhi after nearly two decades of ceasefire.
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During the mass rally, banners such as ‘7 decades old Naga political movement deserves honourable solution’, ‘solution to the Indo-Naga issue lies in the political will of the GOI in upholding the Framework Agreement,’ ‘Framework Agreement for honourable and acceptable settlement and ‘26 years of negotiations with 7 prime minister is enough’.
Slogans like ‘respect Naga historical and political rights’, ‘GOI should focus on mutually negotiated solution’, ‘leave us in peace’, ‘stop your divide and rule policy’, ‘we demand immediate political solution’, ‘unity our strength’, ‘resolve Indo-Naga political issue’, ‘our land belongs to our people and Indian leaders must walk the talk’ were thunderously shouted as the public marched towards the meeting point at TKS office.
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Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the rally, Kho John, former UNC president, said the Framework Agreement was signed in 2015, however, it has not been able to solve till now even after eight years. “Their [Center] tenure is also coming to an end by 2024 and we hope that the Government of India take seriously and solve the Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM,” said the former UNC president.
Art and culture secretary of Naga Women’s Union (NWU) A Haobila stated that the women of Nagas are here to reiterate for an acceptably and honourable solution the Indo-Naga political issue in the true spirit of the historic Indo-Naga Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015 at New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Ngachonmi Chamroy, a social activist stated that the crisis in the region cannot be solved until the Naga political issue will bring an acceptable and honourable solution.
After the rally, the UNC also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul district. Similarly, the TNL also endorsed the memorandum submitted by the UNC.
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In Senapati, addressing the gathering, Solomon Arow, president, Naga Peoples’ Organization (NPO), Senapati called the day as historic adding no such gathering was seen in the past.
Based on the principle of co-existence and shared sovereignty, the Framework Agreement was officially signed on the 3rd, August, 2015. The Government of India, through the Framework Agreement recognized the sovereignty of the Nagas. It also says “Inclusive peaceful co-existence of the two entities sharing sovereign power”.By inclusive means all Nagas and their territories in different administrative units and political camps are to be included in the agreement. Co-existence of the two entities means that Nagas and Union of India will co-exist, he stated.
Eight years down the line, it was an incredible journey with the resilience and determination as we wait for the Government of India to act on what has been agreed upon. The world has come to know much better of the Naga political issue because of the historic Framework Agreement and how the Nagas stood the ground to up-hold the Framework Agreement, that is now considered sacrosanct and thus inviolable, he said.
On this day, the NPO president appeals to one and all to be patient and keep waiting prayerfully with renewed hope and pledged allegiance to the Framework Agreement, that whatever may betide, the Nagas shall stand by it till the last drop of their blood.
Ng. Lorho, president, UNC stated that the gathering was an earnest desire of the long awaited Political solution based on the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 is realised at the earliest.
The struggle of the Nagas for independence and movement started way back even before he was born but now, has crossed over 60 years yet, no Political solution has arrived.
The ceasefire agreement between the Govt of India and the NSCN was declared in 1997 on the grounds that the Indo-Naga issue is political and not a military problem and after mutual acceptance that talks shall be held without conditions and shall be at the highest level. It is but to prepare the ground for principle-based negotiations and solution. And on 3rd August, 2015, Framework Agreement was signed between the Govt of India and the NSCN, recognising the Indo-Naga issue as a political conflict.
The Framework Agreement clearly stated the Govt of India recognised the unique history and position of the Nagas which means, the Nagas were never been part of India or Burma or any other power, neither by consent not by conquest, that sovereignty lies with the people which means Sovereignty of Nagalim lies with the Naga people. Accordingly, agreed to share sovereign power as defined in the competencies between the sovereign Indian people and sovereign Naga people, that it will provide for an enduring inclusive new relation of peaceful coexistence of the two entities, .i.e. Indians and Nagas embracing all Nagas wherever they are, including all political groups, that the details and execution plans will be worked out and implemented shortly.
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The UNC president asserted that Flag and Constitution are a constituent part of sovereignty and therefore, there should be no ambiguity about it, he said. The Framework Agreement was signed by NSCN as an independent entity and an independent nation with the Govt of India and not as a subordinate of the union of India. The signing of the FA is an important landmark and acknowledges all the sacrifices made till now in the struggle for independence. But 8 years after signing of the FA, the details and the executions to be worked out and implemented shortly is yet to be implemented, and as such, the political will and sincerity of the Govt of India is in question, he mentioned.
The fate of the FA hangs in balance as the Govt of India fiddle with what has been agreed upon and as the commitment of the Govt of India sways drastically. The tolerance and patience of the Nagas cannot be taken for weakness, and in the event of any collapse of the political talks, the UNC president stated that the Govt of India shall be held responsible. The Nagas can never be divided by any artificial district, state or international boundaries, but shall stand it’s ground on Naga national principle and remain united, no matter what may come.
A memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister through DC, Senapati at the end of the rally.
Slogans like “No solution, No rest, We demand political solution, Implement FA, Govt of India stop playing divisive policy,” etc were shouted by the rallyists.
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In Tamenglong headquarters, the peace rally started from JD Park at 10:30 am an culminated at Lower Ground for public meeting, joined by around 30,000 people.
Joined by all major CSOs, leaders and the public, under UNC, the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) organised the mass peace rally. A memorandum to the Prime Minister Narenda Modi was submitted through the DC of Tamenglong District.
Some of the placards read, Naga Flag, Constitution and integration are inalienable Rights of the Naga People, Respect Naga Historical and Political Rights, Indian Leaders must Walk the Talk, Implement FA, GoI Stop playing divisive politics, No solution No rest. Some of the slogans echoed, No to imposed solution, Implement FA, We demand immediate political solution, Walk the Talk among others.
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