Thousands of people from across the undivided Ukhrul district gathered at the Town Hall on Monday to mark the 11th anniversary of the signing of the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement, renewing their demand for its early implementation.
The programme, organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) in collaboration with Tangkhul civil society organisations, drew elders, youths, students, church members and community leaders, who reiterated their support for an honourable political settlement to the Indo-Naga issue.
A public declaration adopted during the event reaffirmed support for the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, and urged the Government of India to implement it “in letter and spirit” without further delay. The declaration expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the peace process, stating that the continued uncertainty had caused disappointment among the Naga people.
The gathering also appealed to the Centre to demonstrate political will in concluding the peace process and paving the way for lasting peace and coexistence.
The declaration was jointly signed by leaders of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Naga Aze Long (TNAL), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL).
Participants raised slogans calling for an early political solution, supporting the Framework Agreement, opposing militarisation, and demanding an end to bloodshed and proxy war. They also maintained that combing operations were not the solution to the conflict.
Following the public meeting, participants marched peacefully to the Ukhrul Mini Secretariat and submitted the declaration, addressed to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, through the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, urging the Centre to honour its commitments under the Framework Agreement at the earliest.