New Delhi: Nearly three decades after agreeing to a ceasefire, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has issued an ultimatum to the Government of India, threatening to renew “armed resistance” if the 2015 Framework Agreement is not honoured. Thie Framework Agreement, signed between NSCN-IM and the Centre, was intended to lay the groundwork for resolving the Naga political issue.
The NSCN-IM’s general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, delivered the warning in a five-page statement and criticised the government’s alleged “betrayal” of the 2015 accord. Muivah said that NSCN-IM “rules out peaceful means” to address the situation and said the Centre has not upheld the agreement’s core commitments. NSCN-IM had initially signed a ceasefire with the Indian government in 1997, agreeing to a path of negotiation, The Indian Express reported.
Naga peace talks intensify
The statement follows recent talks in Delhi between NSCN-IM representatives and the central government’s interlocutor AK Mishra. It is to be noted that Muivah, now 90, did not attend the discussions. The developments occur against a backdrop of parallel negotiations between the Centre and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), an alliance of seven Naga factions distinct from NSCN-IM. Last week, the NNPGs urged the government to conclude a Naga peace deal this year and citing their 2017 “Agreed Position” with the Centre as the foundation.
One of the major sticking points in the NSCN-IM’s negotiations with the government remains the demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution. While issuing the ultimatum, Muivah hinted at possible “third-party intervention” to mediate the dispute. The reference to a third party is thought to imply foreign mediation, though specifics remain unconfirmed.
NSCN-IM stands firm
In his statement, Muivah said that the Framework Agreement acknowledged the unique history and sovereignty of Nagalim, which includes recognition of a distinct Naga flag and constitution. He said that NSCN-IM expects the agreement to reflect these principles, saying, “Nagalim and NSCN will not wait forever for the GOI to honor the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement.”
Although the Framework Agreement was signed in 2015, no comprehensive peace accord has been reached. Meanwhile, the Centre’s separate negotiations with the NNPGs have introduced further complexities to an already challenging peace process.
