DIMAPUR, Sept 24 - NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th Muivah has categorically stated that no peace accord would be signed if the Government of India does not agree to a separate Naga flag and constitution.
�Sovereignty of the Naga people cannot be questioned as far as peace talks are concerned and the demand for Naga flag and constitution cannot be denied,� Muivah said in an interview with a regional news channel at Camp Hebron, the NSCN (I-M) headquarters near here, which was telecast on Tuesday evening.
He added since the history of the Nagas is unique, the solution to the Naga issue has also to be unique. He said the Indian side officially acknowledged that the Naga history is unique. He added the Nagas were never under the Indians either by consent of themselves or by military force used on them in those times.
�And so our history is unique. Therefore, solution must also be unique. When we say this, they say you are too tough. I am not tough. Nagas are not lost people. We have our history. They have come to realise that. Not only that since Nagas were not under Indians nor under anyone, our sovereignty also lies with us.�
The chief negotiator of the Naga peace talks claimed the Indian Government frankly admitted that the Nagas have rights and their history is clear to them.
At the same time, Muivah said the Government of India has also a lot of difficulties on their side, which would be a problem.
�We cannot ignore the difficulties they face and so it becomes a matter of negotiation,� he said.
On whether a separate Naga flag and constitution was part of the historic framework agreement and whether it would agree to sign the peace accord if the Government of India does not agree for separate Naga flag and constitution, Muivah said the NSCN (I-M) would not sign any accord.
�Because our history is unique and clear, our sovereignty can no long be questioned. Our history can no longer be questioned. The Nagas have every right to have their own constitution and their own flag,� he said.
Muivah said in India, sovereignty lies with the Indians and in Nagaland sovereignty lies with the Naga people. �So we have the right to have our own constitution and own national flag.�
When asked whether the NSCN (I-M) would look for an alternative if the Government of India does not agree to its demands, Muivah said the Indian side has the obligation to respect the Naga side.
