NSCN-IM reiterates demand for separate flag & constitution; says it needs to be part of 'final settlement'

Dimapur: The Isaak-Muivah faction of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) in a joint council meeting held at its Hebron camp in Dimapur on Friday, reiterated its demand for a separate flag and constitution, stating that it needs to be a part of the 'final settlement' with the Centre.

"The house unanimously adopted the resolution to reiterate the stand of NSCN that the Naga national flag and Yehzabo (constitution) must form a part of the Indo-Naga political solution in order to qualify the Naga deal as honourable and acceptable," the NSCN-IM said in a statement. "Besides, the house also resolved that the Government of India and NSCN must seek a final agreement based on the historic Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015."

The talks between the Centre and Nagaland's largest insurgent body have hit a rocky patch following the latter's demand for a separate flag and Constitution for the Nagas. Ever since the formal talks conducted by Nagaland Governor and interlocutor R N Ravi came to an end on October 31 last, tensions have been on the rise and came to a head in June this year with Ravi writing to the state government about "parallel governments" being run by underground groups. Following this, there have been growing demand in Nagaland for Ravi's resignation.

Meanwhile, informal talks with the Centre have been resumed, with senior leaders of the NSCN-IM reaching New Delhi to talk to senior IB officials. Back in Nagaland, however, the demands for a quick resolution have been growing from civil society organisations and tribal heads.

These bodies have said that a final agreement without a separate flag and constitution on the agenda is "acceptable" to the public. This has also been stated by the NNPGs -- seven insurgent groups indigenous to Nagaland who have also been talking to the Centre.

The NSCN (IM), however, has said that an "honourable solution" to the 'mother of all insurgencies' is not acceptable unless its demands are met.

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