Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, October 29:
Eno. RH Raising, the Emissary to the Collective Leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim / Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim , has reaffirmed the Naga people’s unwavering commitment to their inherent sovereignty and unique national identity, asserting that the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process must rest on mutual recognition of these principles.
Speaking at a media interaction held on October 27, Raising said the homecoming visit of Eno. Thuingaleng Muivah Ato Kilonser NSCN/ GPRN to Ukhrul was not only deeply personal but also political and historical — aimed at engaging with the people and clarifying the “current position of the peace talks” and the meaning of the 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India.
Raising described Muivah’s visit as “significant and timely,” coming after a series of wide-ranging consultations with Naga citizens, church leaders, and civil society organizations across Nagaland and beyond. “The purpose of this visit is to communicate the latest position of the talk and the principle that binds the Framework Agreement,” he said.
Reflecting on the long struggle for Naga self-determination, Raising recounted that for decades, the core issue had been the absence of a “meeting point” between the two entities — the Naga people who demanded total sovereignty and independence, and the Government of India which insisted on a solution within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
“It was through the Framework Agreement that both sides finally met on the universal principle of democracy — that sovereignty lies with the people,” Raising explained. “The sovereignty of India lies with the Indian people, and the sovereignty of the Nagas lies with the Naga people.”
He said this principle, mutually accepted in the agreement, constituted a recognition of Naga sovereignty by the Government of India. “The Government of India has also acknowledged the Nagas’ unique history of independence,” Raising noted, citing the historic declaration of Naga Independence on August 14, 1947. “That declaration is now a recognised entity.”
Reiterating that Naga identity is God-given and non-negotiable, Raising declared, “My identity runs in the blood. It cannot be created by parliament or any earthly power. It is the gift of God. We are not Indians, not Chinese, not Burmese — we are Nagas.”
Touching upon the contentious issue of the Naga national flag and constitution, he emphasized that these are integral elements of sovereignty. “Flag and constitution are the material of sovereignty. Without them, sovereignty is a form without content,” he stated.
However, Raising acknowledged continuing differences over the use and placement of the Naga flag. “The Government of India has recognised the Naga flag and constitution but restricts its use in official offices. Our Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) has made it clear that this is impossible — we will use it in our offices, for it is our symbol of authority,” he asserted firmly.
Raising concluded by reaffirming the NSCN-IM’s steadfast commitment to peaceful dialogue while maintaining that no compromise would be made on the fundamental issue of Naga identity and sovereignty. “Discussions are still ongoing, but our position remains clear and unshaken,” he said.