New Delhi: Over 27 years of discussions have taken place between the Indian government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), a prominent Naga rebel group. Despite this, a lasting peace agreement seems far off.
Recently, the NSCN-IM declared that any final agreement must be based on the Framework Agreement signed in 2015. This Framework acknowledges the unique history and sovereignty of the Naga people. It supports the idea of shared sovereignty between India and the Nagas, asserting that the Nagas own their land and its resources.
Key Points of the Framework Agreement
The Framework Agreement was signed in New Delhi on August 3, 2015, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the full details of the agreement remain confidential, NSCN-IM insists that it must guide any peace deal. They emphasize their demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution, which the Indian government has firmly rejected.
Prakash Singh, an expert on internal security, stated, "One nation, one flag, and one constitution is India’s principle. If we were to agree to a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, other groups might make similar demands.”
Both sides seem unwilling to budge. A former home secretary noted that without a change in demands from the NSCN-IM and acceptance from the government, an agreement isn’t likely in the near future.
Government’s Perspective
Under Prime Minister Modi, the government has made efforts to reach a peace settlement with the NSCN-IM. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, reported that the Framework Agreement is a major achievement of the Modi administration. However, he has not clarified the government’s stance on the demands for a separate flag and constitution.
The NSCN-IM argues that political negotiations must lead to recognition of their sovereignty, which they believe includes their flag and constitution.
Parallel Negotiations
In 2017, the Indian government opened discussions with another group, the Naga National Political Group (NNPG), which includes seven other factions. They reached an “Agreed Position” in October 2019, waiting only for the final agreement to be signed.
Third-Party Mediation
The NSCN-IM has suggested involving a third party in the talks, claiming that the Indian government has not honored the Framework Agreement by dismissing their flag and constitution demands. Thuingaleng Muivah, the group’s chief negotiator, stresses that a solution is overdue, as prolonged negotiations could have negative consequences for both parties.
Historical Context
The NSCN was formed in January 1980 in opposition to a previous peace agreement that accepted Indian rule. Their goal was a sovereign Naga nation that encompasses regions across northeastern India and Myanmar. The NSCN-IM emerged as the most prominent faction after a split in 1988.
They agreed to a ceasefire in 1997, which launched an extended peace process involving over 600 rounds of discussions.
Current Negotiations
AK Mishra, a former director in the intelligence bureau, is currently leading the talks. Though progress has been slow, observers note that the talks cannot continue indefinitely. Suhas Chakma, a geopolitical expert, highlights that the world has changed over the past three decades. "The desire for insurgency has diminished," he said. The pressing question remains whether a mutually respectful agreement can be reached.
As these discussions continue, the sentiment among Naga leaders and the broader public is growing restless. It may be time for both the government and the NSCN-IM to find common ground for a resolution. For more information on this ongoing situation, you can refer to reports from ETV Bharat.
Check out this related article: PM Modi’s Historic Mauritius Visit: Strengthening Trade, Security, and Cultural Ties for a Brighter Future
Source linkNAGALAND NORTHEAST, NAGAS CENTRE, INDIAN GOVERNMENT, SEPARATE FLAG, NAGA REBELS INDIA, NAGA REBELS: 27 YEARS OF TALKS AND 600 ROUNDS OF NEGOTIATIONS, ACCORD STILL A DISTANT DREAM
