Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Feb 13:
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has cautioned the Government of India (GoI) against allowing the unresolved Naga issue to escalate into a serious crisis. In a press release, the group urged the government to ensure the logical conclusion of the Framework Agreement, citing the geopolitical importance of Nagalim and the necessity of a genuine and expeditious resolution to the longstanding Indo-Naga political dialogue.
The warning followed concerns raised by 21 Members of Parliament regarding the stalled Naga peace talks. The NSCN-IM reportedly welcomed their intervention, describing it as a significant reminder to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had personally credited himself in 2015 for what he called a historic breakthrough in resolving Southeast Asia’s longest insurgency.
The Framework Agreement, signed on August 3, 2015, was initially regarded as a major step toward addressing the political aspirations of the Nagas. At that time, both parties had reportedly expressed confidence in a peaceful resolution, and the announcement of the agreement had been made with much enthusiasm, including a live telecast of the signing ceremony. However, as nearly a decade has passed without a final settlement, the NSCN-IM accused the government of insincerity in fulfilling its commitments. The group alleged that while the Prime Minister once took pride in the agreement, the prolonged inaction has now created distrust and uncertainty about India’s dedication to resolving the issue.
Additionally, the NSCN-IM strongly criticized the “Agreed Position” signed in 2017 between the GoI and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC/NNPGs). It alleged that the agreement was merely a modified version of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution and had been devised by Indian agencies to undermine the core demands of the Nagas. The group maintained that there was no alignment between the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position, further cautioning that the government’s strategy of engaging different Naga factions separately was only leading to deeper divisions among the Naga people.
The NSCN-IM also expressed dissatisfaction with certain Naga representatives in the Indian Parliament, accusing them of undermining the Naga political struggle. It specifically mentioned former MP Apok Jamir, who had allegedly dismissed the existence of any unresolved Naga issue during a parliamentary debate. Recalling an earlier instance from 2001, the group stated that Jamir had refuted concerns raised by Swaraj Kaushal regarding the lack of progress in peace talks. Such actions, according to the NSCN-IM, had weakened the Naga movement while emboldening the Indian government to further delay the process. The group conveyed strong indignation over these developments and warned that history would judge such leaders harshly.
Despite its frustrations, the NSCN-IM reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and honorable political solution. It expressed continued support for reconciliation efforts undertaken by Naga groups under the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), underscoring the importance of unity among Naga political organizations. The group asserted that any final agreement must be based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas, referring to key historical events such as the Simon Commission memorandum of 1929, the declaration of Naga independence in 1947, and the 1951 Naga plebiscite.
The NSCN-IM also reminded the Indian leadership that previous Prime Ministers, including VP Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and Deve Gowda, had acknowledged the legitimacy of the Naga political struggle and advocated for a genuine resolution. It urged the present leadership to honor those commitments rather than relying on delay tactics and political maneuvering.
With tensions rising, the NSCN-IM’s warning appeared to highlight the urgency of the situation. The delay in implementing the Framework Agreement, the group suggested, could threaten years of negotiations and push the region back into instability. It argued that the GoI now faced a crucial decision—whether to fulfill its promises or risk escalating the situation into a larger conflict. Prime Minister Modi, who had once taken pride in the agreement, was urged to take decisive action. The group warned that failing to do so could damage India’s credibility in the Northeast while deepening the dissatisfaction among the Nagas. Whether New Delhi would heed the warning or allow the issue to deteriorate further remained to be seen.
