NSCN(I-M) rigid as Centre pushes for solution

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated28/05/2022

Outfit says Naga national flag symbolising the community’s political identity and its constitution are non-negotiable.
Amid a renewed push for a solution to the “Naga political issue”.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), has said it will not settle for the “Naga national flag” as a cultural flag as indicated by New Delhi

The key demand of Naga groups has been a Greater Nagalim (sovereign statehood) i.e redrawing of boundaries to bring all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast under one administrative umbrella.
It includes various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Myanmar as well.
The demand also includes the separate Naga Yezabo (Constitution) and Naga national flag.

Shillong Accord (1975): A peace accord was signed in Shillong in which the NNC leadership agreed to give up arms.
- However, several leaders refused to accept the agreement, which led to the split of NNC.
Ceasefire Agreement (1997): The NSCN-IM signed a ceasefire agreement with the government to stop attacks on Indian armed forces.
- In return, the government would stop all counter-insurgency offensive operations.
Various factions of the latter and some older outfits got together in 2016 to form the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), which signed the Agreed Position with the Centre in 2017.
The Naga National Political Groups are not insistent on a separate Naga flag and constitution.

The Government of India recognised the unique history, culture and position of the Nagas and their sentiments and aspirations.
The NSCN also appreciated the Indian political system and governance. However, the details of the agreement are yet to be released by the government.
The Centre and the NSCN(I-M) signed the Framework Agreement in August 2015, which was said to have paved the way for the final solution to the vexed issue.
The peace process stagnated over the outfit’s insistence on a separate flag and the Yehzabo, or Naga constitution, as part of the deal.
There have been reports from Nagaland that the Centre would agree to the use of the Naga national flag for cultural purposes
Incorporating a mutually acceptable part of the Naga constitution in the Constitution of India.

The NSCN(I-M) said the “unfortunate development” was tantamount to political blackmail and that it would not succumb to it.
Separate meetings with Naga leaders in New Delhi over the past few days have triggered speculation that the much-anticipated Naga settlement was not far off.
Central leaders had met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, his predecessor S.C. Jamir and NSCN(I-M) leaders.
The meetings followed senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton’s statement that some senior insurgent leaders do not want a settlement of the issue so that they can continue to enjoy the comforts of life at the people’s cost.

After returning from New Delhi, Mr. Jamir warned of an impending “earthquake” in the State with its epicentre in Delhi.
MLA Kuzholuzo Neinu said the NSCN(I-M) should now “take it or leave it”.
The Core Committee on Naga Political Issue, comprising all 60 MLAs of Nagaland, met at the Chief Minister’s residence to decide on meeting the NSCN(I-M) leadership by May 29.
The NSCN(I-M) has convened a meeting of all its top bodies from across the “Naga region” on May 31.
Apart from Nagaland, Nagas are scattered across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Myanmar.

Prelims Takeaway