By  Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : NSCN-IM stated the Nagas will not merge into the Union of India, but they will coexist with the Union of India as two entities. Nagas do not accept Indian constitution, but Nagas and Indians will share sovereign powers based on competencies.During a recent interview with The Week, CT Son, the Minister of Information and Publicity of the parallel Government of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah) has stated that the talks with the Centre are “stuck over the [demand for] a flag and a constitution for the people of Nagaland.” Son has further claimed that both India and Nagaland are sovereign nations. Son has also stated that the “nation” cannot exist without a flag and a constitution, adding that the Framework Agreement of 2015 accepts sovereignty of the Naga people. The NSCN (IM) leader further asserted, during the interview, that Nagaland is a “sovereign nation.”

In a statement the NSCN-IM said, “Opportunists, deserters, opponents and detractors who have never fought for the cause have now started claiming their shares when solution is around.NSCN-IM added that NSCN represents the Naga people including village chiefs, civil societies/organizations, political parties and the Churches whereas Government of India represents India including its states. “No one should doubt that Framework Agreement is the meeting point for the Nagas and the Indians. The Nagas and the Indians are inseparably inter related in many fields.

We must learn to co-exist for mutual benefits. The Nagas will not merge into the Union of India, but they they will co-exist with the Union of India as two entities. Nagas are a recognized entity. Nagas do not accept Indian constitution, but Nagas and Indians will share sovereign powers based on competencies.It may be mentioned here that the Government of India stated that an “amicable solution” had been reached between the Government and the NSCN (IM) on October 31, the final call will be taken after consulting the neighboring states, where tensions are running high. Manipur, meanwhile, has seen numerous protests over the issue, and a boycott of the Sangai Festival was also called by the Co-ordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). However, the boycott was called off after Union Minister Amit Shah promise