Union Home Minister Amit Shah ready to hoist Naga separate flag on Naga Day: Nagaland CM
From Sudip Sharma Chowdhury
GUWAHATI : Nagaland Chief Minister Nefiu Rio on Saturday said union home minister Amit Shah has agreed to hoist the Naga flag on Naga Day. Rio said the Home Minister had indicated to one of the meetings held to discuss the Naga political issue that he would “hoist the Naga flag on Naga Day” and invited him and others in the government to accompany him. The Chief Minister made the revelation during the 29th Biennial General Conference of The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) held in Kisama on Saturday.
Shah is said to have earlier told Rio that the Centre does not provide a separate flag and constitution for nagas but the flag can be used during the events and functions of the Naga community in the entire Pan Naga Hoho areas. However, it will not be implemented during the functions of the Union or State Government or during government institutions and establishments. Speaking on the backdrop of the Naga political movement, the Nagaland Chief Minister said, “If we count the Naga political issue since the Simon Commission, this movement is in its 92nd year and has gone through various stages. Nevertheless, even after many years of Nagaland as a state, there are many things that have not yet been achieved, he explained. “Despite being a state under the Indian Union, Naga history is being recognized as ‘unique’ and its issue has been recognized as a political issue. The sad part is that although the Indian has recognized the ‘unique history’ of the Nagas, it is the Nagas who have failed to recognize it, Rio said.
Reminding about the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 between the Government of India and nscn (IM) and the “agreed position” with seven NNPG (WC) on November 17, 2017, he expressed satisfaction over the ceasefire to resolve the Naga political issue. He said, “The solution is for the people and the present opportunities are taking, something should be done, he urged the leaders of the present generation to come up with an agreement on this issue and what can be done at present according to the situation. Once the Naga political confusion is fixed, he observed how things would look.
He said, “If the Agreement (Naga sits for political solution), an Expert Committee will be constituted to prepare the Yehjabo (Constitution) – which can be enshrined in a (Indian) Constitution like Article 371(A) – so that the Nagas can stand in a much better position (tomorrow). He said an agreement should be reached to usher in an era of rapid economic growth and more employment opportunities for Naga youth and the entire people. He urged everyone to make a collective effort and give a “final push” to find a solution to the Naga political issue.
