Naga political issue: WC NNPG Convenor clarifies on unresolved matters

Dimapur, Oct. 13 (EMN): Convener of Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPG) N Kitovi Zhimomi has clarified on the unresolved matters -- Naga flag, constitution and integration -- between the working committee and the government of India (GoI).

In his message to the Nagas, Zhimomi stated that the GoI had been clearly told about the historical, cultural and spiritual aspect of the Naga flag, which is too dear to the Naga people.

“The GoI has assured that the Naga flag would be given appropriate respect and position it deserves. The Naga flag's unrestrained political usage would be pursued post solution democratically,” read the message, adding that Indian government wouldn’t object to the use of Naga flag for cultural purpose and at customary institutions.

“Let there be no claim for championship prize on this since the symbolic matter, the Naga flag will flutter on cultural events, on significant historical days and on Naga customary institutions in our land,” he said.

On the Naga constitution, Zhimomi said that “the precise shape, form and source of authority will come from the Naga tribes”, citing the conventions each Naga tribe has to govern the conduct of individuals and villages as miniature republics.

“Among WC groups, we have different written Yehzabos (constitutions), code of conduct and rules for party workers in civil and military wings,” he added.

On the issue of Naga integration, he said that it is a legitimate right and aspiration of all Nagas and that they would pursue it democratically post solution.

No monopoly over Naga issue

“Naga political issue is not a commercial enterprise under the monopoly of N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Th. Muivah, Neiphiu Rio, Y Patton or TR Zeliang. It can never be. The problem with the leaders of today is, many have developed eccentricity, a sense of personal ownership of Indo-Naga political issue at the cost of Naga people.

“A distorted narrative fuelled by endless political talks. The over indulgence in self-glorification and self-crowning exercises with relentless media hype since 1997 is evident. I am afraid this has not helped the Nagas,” he stated.

He said that the WC, NNPG had chosen to be practical and transparent with the Naga tribes and with the GoI; made Naga political talks transparent and inclusive.

Maintaining that Naga political talks shouldn’t be kept as a classified document, he said its Agreed Position signed with the Indian government has been made available to the stakeholders.

Zhimomi went on to state that he has been assisted by Naga leaders and co-conveners of WC -- Zhopr Vero, Kiumukam Yimchunger, Hojeto Chophy, Wangtin Naga, Toshi Walling and Isak Sumi – and other leaders.

“We were once sworn enemies but God opened our hearts to reason together. We chose the Naga people over our differences,” he said, adding that they had pledged to be open and transparent with the Nagas.

Zhimomi went on to say that its ongoing formal and informal deliberations with the Indian government’s representative on Naga talks AK Mishra would be defined by respect for each other.