Framework Agreement proposes joint defense, economic ventures for Nagalim and India
The Framework Agreement (FA) between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM remains a potential roadmap for resolving the longstanding Indo-Naga political issue, according to Rh Raising, Member, Collective Leadership of the NSCN-IM. In a statement issued today, Raising highlighted the FA as a critical instrument for bridging the historically opposing stands of the Nagas and India.
“In the past, the Indians and the Nagas took diametrically opposite stands that the parallel lines saw no meeting point,” said Raising. However, he believes the FA offers a middle ground. “It will guarantee the future of the Nagas and strengthen the security of India,” he stated, describing it as the kind of solution both parties have sought for decades.
Raising stressed that the problem between India and the Nagas is inherently political and requires a political resolution. “It will be a great mistake on the part of the Indian and Naga leaders who interpret the FA from the Indian constitutional perspective,” he cautioned. “The problem is political, which calls for a political solution. It is never a constitutional problem of India.”
He dismissed concerns that the FA could become a roadblock, reiterating that it recognizes the unique history and sovereignty of the Nagas, as well as their distinct identity and territorial integrity.
The FA outlines principles for peaceful coexistence as two entities sharing sovereign power, Raising explained. Under its provisions:
•The Nagas and India will coexist as two separate entities without the Nagas merging into India.
•Joint defense mechanisms will be established to address any external invasions of Nagalim.
•Nagas will be using Indian passport with Naga nationality/ Indian for a certain period of time.
•Economic collaborations, such as joint ventures in oil drilling, will be pursued.
•Nagas will exercise their sovereign power in the matter of their own affairs.
“The FA recognizes the unique history of Naga independence; the sovereignty of the Nagas, the identity of the Nagas, the territory of the Nagas, and the integration of all Nagas areas. It also says peaceful coexistence of the two entities sharing sovereign power,” he added.