Thuingaleng Muivah, the general secretary of NSCN-IM, issued a strong ultimatum to the Indian government, warning of a potential resumption of armed resistance if the 2015 Framework Agreements are not respected in “letter and spirit”.
Key Sticking Points
- Muivah claims the agreement implicitly recognized a sovereign Naga flag and constitution, both of which remain critical demands for the NSCN-IM accusing India of reneging on these terms.
- Proposal for Third-Party Mediation: Muivah proposed involving a third-party mediator, potentially a foreign entity, as a final effort to break the impasse. He stated that failure to consider this option would prompt the NSCN-IM to resume armed resistance to assert Naga sovereignty.
- Parallel Negotiations with NNPGs: The Indian government has engaged in separate negotiations with the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), a coalition of seven Naga organizations excluding NSCN-IM, since 2017.
- This group agreed to a different arrangement, termed the “Agreed Position,” and has recently pushed for the Indian government to finalize an accord based on this understanding within 2024.
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About NSCN
- NSCN is one of the most prominent insurgent groups in the northeastern region of India.
- Formation: It was formed in 1980 with the merger of two factions, the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and the NSCN (Khaplang), although these two factions later split again in 1988
- Key Demands: NSCN-IM demands a united ‘Nagalim,’ integrating Naga-dominated areas in Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, which has been a contentious issue with neighbouring states.
About 2015 Framework Agreement
- The Framework Agreement (2015) is a significant agreement between the Government of India and NSCN-IM towards resolving the long-standing Naga conflict.
- Objective: To find a lasting solution to the Naga political issue, acknowledging the unique history and aspirations of the Naga people.
- Recognition of Naga Identity: The agreement recognizes the unique history and identity of the Naga people.
- New Relationship: It establishes a new relationship between India and the Nagas, going beyond the traditional state-subject relationship.
- Sovereign Powers: While the exact nature of these powers is not explicitly defined, it suggests a degree of autonomy for the Naga people within the Indian Union.
- Framework for Final Settlement: The agreement provides a framework for the final settlement of the Naga issue, which will be negotiated in detail through subsequent talks.
November 9, 2024
