Congress demands tabling of agreement with NSCN-IM in Parliament

New Delhi: Noting that NSCN-IM leader T Muivah's assertions have "shocked and stunned" the nation, Congress today demanded the framework agreement between the government and the Naga rebel outfit be tabled in Parliament.

Congress chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said the agreement signed last year has "shocked and stunned" the nation in the wake of recent statements and interviews by the NSCN-IM general secretary and hinted that the party would raise the matter in the monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 18.

Addressing a press meet along with former Arunachal Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, former Union minister Vincent Pala and AICC General Secretary C P Joshi, Surjewala said Muivah has stated that a separate flag and passport for Nagas were not just demands but "rights as the Nagas were never under Indian rule".

Equally shocking is Muivah's statement that the understanding on "shared sovereignty" has been arrived with the Modi government because the uniqueness of Naga history is recognised and that "we are not giving up on the demand of sovereignty", the Congress leader said.

He said Muivah's remark that the framework agreement is a "secret" because until a complete settlement is done some secrecy will have to be maintained is also a matter of serious concern.

"Has the Modi government agreed on a shared sovereignty of India for the Nagas? Has Modi govt agreed to give separate passports other than Indian Passports? Has Modi govt promised a separate flag for the Nagas other than the Tricolour?" he asked.

Surjewala said the Modi government signed the accord in August, 2015, without consulting any of the state governments in the Northeast.

"This framework agreement has been kept under wrap by Modi ji, without taking into confidence Parliament, Cabinet or people of India," he said.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said "no one, however mighty, has a right to do otherwise. People of India will never accept a compromise on this cardinal principle of India's unquestionable sovereignty and integrity."

"While Congress fully supports finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Naga problem through the process of dialogue, it has to be compulsorily within the four corners of our constitutional framework without a whisper of compromise on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.