NSCN (IM) rebels.

Three Zeliangrong regions of the NSCN-IM in Nagaland adopted a resolution to defend the Naga flag and the Naga constitution at any cost.

The three regions–Asalu Zeliangrong region, the Makuilongdi Zeliangrong region and the Zeilad Zeliangrong Region—have resolved to defend the Naga flag and the constitution “come what may”, a statement said.

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Stephen Dangmei, the convenor of the coordination committee of the three Zeliangrong regions, in the statement said 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”.

The “historic Framework Agreement of August 3, 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,” Dangmei said.

He said the Framework Agreement recognised the unique history and the position of the Naga people.

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“And that the Agreement must provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful co-existence of the two entities,” he added.

“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 NSCN-IM leader pointed out.

The three Zeliangrong regions highly respect and appreciate the commitment made by “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’”.

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”.

He said 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 to the region,” Dangmei said.