The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) has called for the implementation of political agreements reached between the Government of India (GoI) and Naga representatives, asserting that only a negotiated political solution recognising Naga history, identity and political position can ensure lasting coexistence.
In a statement issued through its Media Cell, the WC, NNPGs said negotiations held between 2017 and 2019 under then GoI interlocutor R.N. Ravi had focused on an inclusive India and recognition of the distinct historical and political circumstances of the Naga people.
The group said the Indo-Naga negotiations had reached a conclusion pending formal announcement by the GoI, and claimed that the process had addressed constitutional issues, including what it described as gaps in the implementation of Article 371(A).
The WC, NNPGs maintained that past and recent political agreements must be respected and implemented, asserting that political conflicts should be resolved through political negotiations rather than through administrative or judicial intervention.
It cautioned against what it described as attempts to undermine the Agreed Position and Status Paper through separate agreements or memoranda of understanding, particularly concerning natural resources. The group said the utilisation of resources, including strategic minerals and rare earths, should be guided by the agreed political framework and the interests of future Naga generations.
The statement further described Article 371(A) as the principal constitutional link between India and the Naga people and warned that any attempt to suspend or remove the provision could have serious political consequences.
It recalled that the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was signed on August 3, 2015, while the Agreed Position between the GoI and WC, NNPGs was signed on November 17, 2017.
The WC, NNPGs also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to recognise the aspirations of the Naga people and ensure an honourable political settlement.
Calling for an inclusive and plural India, the group said the prolonged Indo-Naga political conflict should be resolved through implementation of negotiated agreements, describing such a settlement as an important confidence-building measure for peaceful coexistence.
