The three Zeliangrong regions of the NSCN-IM have resolved to defend the Naga flag and the Naga constitution “come what may”. The three regions are Asalu Zeliangrong Region, the Makuilongdi Zeliangrong Region and the Zeilad Zeliangrong Region.
A press statement issued by Stephen Dangmei, who is the convenor of the Co-ordination Committee of the three Zeliangrong regions, said that the Committee and the concerned CAOs of the Asalu Zeliangrong Region, the Makuilongdi Zeliangrong Region and the Zeilad Zeliangrong Region, the regions which “touch all the three Indian states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland”, have resolved to uphold the Naga national principle and defend the Naga flag and the Naga constitution “come what may”.
According to the press note, the “historic Framework Agreement of the 3rd August, 2015 must be translated into the right spirit wherein, the acceptance of the universal principle that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people, must become conscious”. It also said the Framework Agreement recognized the unique history and the position of the Naga people. “And that the Agreement must provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful co-existence of the two entities”, it also said, adding, “This agreement includes the component: existence of flag and constitution”. “Henceforth, solution without flag and constitution will never be considered as honourable and acceptable,” the press release also said.
It then stated that the three Zeliangrong regions highly respect and appreciate the commitment made by “honourable Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the signing of the historic Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 where he stated that —‘Today we marked not merely the end of the problem, but the beginning of a new future. We will not only try to heal wounds and resolve the problem, but also be your partner as you restore your pride and prestige’”.
The press statement then said that, in 2003, when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India, visited Kohima, he gave commitment stating that “we fully respect your identity and it will be protected”.
The press statement then said that, for more than seven decades the Nagas fought for their political identity that includes flag and constitution. “We believe the Government of India would keep its commitment and resolve the Indo-Naga political problem in such a way that is honourable and acceptable which will coherently bring permanent peace in the region,” it added.