The Government of India assured of giving the Naga flag appropriate respect and position it deserves, claimed convener of the working committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), N Kitovi Zhimomi.
Clarifying the unresolved matters between the working committee and the Centre, Zhimomi said the Government of India has been clearly told that there is a historical, cultural and spiritual side to the Naga flag which is too dear to the Naga people.
“The Naga flag’s unrestrained political usage would be pursued post-solution democratically,” Zhimomi said in a statement.
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According to Zhimomi, the Government of India will not object to the use of Naga flag for cultural purposes and in 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 asserted.
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On the Naga constitution, Zhimomi said the precise shape, form and source of authority will come from the Naga tribes.
He added that each Naga tribe has conventions that govern the conduct of individuals and villages as miniature republics.
“Communist-inspired pamphlets neither be Naga constitution nor be birthed from few people’s imagination,” he stated.
Regarding the issue of Naga integration, Zhimomi said it is a legitimate right and aspiration of all Nagas. “We shall pursue it democratically post-solution,” he asserted.
Zhimomi said the Naga political issue is not a commercial enterprise under the monopoly of any leader, including him.
“Political solution cannot be designed to appease, quench and inflate the pride, ego and ambition of any leader,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Government of India’s new representative for Naga talks AK Mishra and the working committee held formal talks in New Delhi on Thursday.
“The consultation was a cordial affair with both sides displaying consistency and commitment of purpose, taking up the thread from where former Government of India interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi left,” the media cell of the working committee said in a release.
It added that further deliberations will continue in the near future to work out the finer details of an enduring relationship.