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Delhi-based Naga students stage a protest march demanding solution to the Naga political issue, and a decision on the framework agreement, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI)[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 25 (EMN): Hundreds of Nagas hit the streets in New Delhi on Wednesday, demanding the government of India to solve the protracted Naga political issue. The participants gathered at 2 pm before marching from Mandi House to Parliament Street, holding placards and shouting slogans.
The rally was organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in collaboration with the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) on the theme “Implement the Principles of Framework Agreement.” It was undertaken against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported advice to Indian government’s interlocutor for Indo-Naga peace talks RN Ravi to find a solution in three months within the constitution of India, which the student body said “directly negates the principle of the Framework Agreement signed between the GoI and the NSCN (IM).”
The NSF submitted a memorandum under the heading: “Early, Inclusive, Honourable and Acceptable Solution to the protracted Naga Political issue” to the prime minister of India during the rally, informed a statement from NSF on Wednesday.
Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh, who participated in the rally, said: “Nagaland, we admire and respect your sovereign identity, we have respect for the sacrifices you have made for the noble cause, for the just cause, for the freedom of your own people, we are here to express that the people of India who are also on the same page with you, who are also struggling for their right, freedom are with you at this time of ours.”
“The day the Naga and the Indian leadership signed an accord in 2015, we were looking for that day you people will get your rights, freedom, and honourable space in this committee of nations but unfortunately we have been realising that it is four years since the accord was signed, the Indian government is reluctant to fulfil its commitment, its promises. The genesis of Kashmir and Punjab problem is of broken promises by the Indian leadership. So, you have to be alert, cautious that the same Indian leadership does not repeat what they have done to the people of Kashmir and Punjab,” he added.
“This gathering is not a sign of defiance of any force on earth but a peaceful assertion of our legitimate rights based on historical facts,” said NSF president Ninoto Awomi at the event.
Supreme Court lawyer Worso Zimik said: “Today we want to inform the people of India that Nagas are ready to coexist with India in both good times and bad times together, and therefore we appeal to the Indian leadership to honour the framework agreement and implement its principle.”
“The Framework Agreement was signed with the understanding to find model of solution based on the principles of shared sovereignty between India and Nagalim, peaceful co-existence of the two entities, and unique history and situation of the Nagas,” read the statement from NSF.
“Therefore, the NSF as the custodian of the Nagas’ future is compelled to question the sincerity and political vision of the Government of India in resolving the protracted Indo-Naga conflict which has cost immense suffering and lives to both the parties,” it added.
The rally was also attended by Supreme Court lawyer Prabu, Naga Hoho general secretary Elu Ndang, and NSUD president Hinoto Awomi among others.