Nagaland is a sovereign nation

C.T. Son/ cabinet minister, NSCN(IM) parallel government

AP10_29_2019_000165B On guard: The Centre has deployed additional Army and paramilitary forces in Nagaland | PTI

What is the current status of the talks with the Indian government?

It is stuck over the [demand for] a flag and a constitution for the people of Nagaland.

How important are they for you?

A nation cannot [exist] without a flag and a constitution.

So you are talking about a nation. Has it gone to that extent?

Yes, of course.

Even after 22 years of negotiation?

Why not? The framework agreement (2015) accepts sovereignty of the people. The flag and constitution are, therefore, a must. The Indian government cannot backtrack on that.

What has the government said about your demands?

We are not demanding anything from the government of India. We want it to recognise us. We (Nagaland) are a sovereign nation.

Was it agreed upon?

It was agreed upon in the ceasefire [agreement of 1997]. It was a ceasefire agreement between two prime ministers (I.K. Gujral and Thuingaleng Muivah) then. India must remember that.

Why do you say two prime ministers? You are an outfit in India and there is a state government in Nagaland.

No, this is a talk between two governments. And both are sovereign nations.

So what is in your constitution?

(Laughs) Please do not ask me this.

Would it include customary rights like in the Mizo Accord?

If Indians can have a Constitution, what is the problem if we have [one]?

Then you should spell it out.

That is the problem with you Indians. You call us secessionist and insurgents. If you look at our history and understand the reality, then only can you understand what is in our constitution.

Why is your prime minister silent?

There is no need to speak now. Things are very critical now.

Talks are still on. What makes you hopeful?

I am hopeful because India also used to be under colonial rule. We are today what India used to be under British Raj.

So you do not want to be part of India.

We do not want to be part of an alien power. Why should we be part of India? [It would be] best if both of us are good neighbours.

After what happened in Kashmir, do you feel you will get freedom?

What freedom? We are a nation. We will continue to be like that.

Why do you press for something like sovereignty?

Why not? The Indian Constitution says sovereignty lies with India. So, according to our constitution, sovereignty of Nagaland lies with the Nagas.

What about integration of Naga parts from other states?

Yes, [this] kind of integration has been recognised in the ceasefire agreement.

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