Provisional Government says proposed arrangement is incompatible with principles of 2015 Framework Agreement
The NSCN/GPRN Eastern Flank-led Provisional Government has rejected the “Competencies” proposal submitted to the Government of India, saying the proposed arrangement compromises the Naga political position and places the settlement within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
In a statement issued on September 23, Provisional Government chairman Ikato I Chishi Swu said the ongoing political talks led by the Hebron leadership no longer represented the mandate of the Naga people.
The statement said the Eastern Flank’s objection was centred on provisions in the “Competencies” which, in its view, departed from the principles of the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement.
It specifically cited provisions under which members would be sent to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the Naga Constitution or Yehzabo would be incorporated as a separate chapter of the Indian Constitution, and the Election Commission of the Tatar Hoho would function in conjunction with the Election Commission of India.
It also objected to provisions relating to the administration of oaths by the Governor and the assumption of office by the Yaruiwo and Kedallo following a proclamation by the President of India.
The Eastern Flank argued that such provisions amounted to accepting a political arrangement within the Union of India, which it said was contrary to the principles on which the Framework Agreement was signed.
The statement also interpreted the 2015 Framework Agreement as recognising the “unique history and situation” of the Nagas and said any eventual arrangement must remain consistent with what it described as the sovereign political position of the Naga people.
The group further criticised the Hebron leadership for continuing negotiations with the Government of India despite what it described as repeated indications that New Delhi would not agree to a separate Naga flag and constitution.
It referred to a November 7, 2024 statement attributed to Th Muivah and said the leadership had failed to act on the position outlined in that statement.
The Eastern Flank said an Extraordinary Joint Emergency Meeting of civil national workers and Naga Army officers held at Mt. Horeb on July 21 had consequently declared the establishment of a “Provisional Government” until a full-fledged government was formed.
Ikato I Chishi Swu was entrusted with heading the body. The July resolution also declared that the Eastern Flank would continue what it described as political and armed resistance in pursuit of Naga sovereignty. The formation of the Provisional Government and its rejection of the Hebron leadership’s political position were reported following the July meeting.
In its latest statement, the Eastern Flank reiterated that the ongoing talks conducted by the Hebron leadership no longer carried the mandate of the Naga people and said it would continue its political course alongside armed resistance.
The statement appealed to Naga national workers and the Naga public to support what it described as the formation of a unified national government.
The Eastern Flank’s position comes amid an open split within the NSCN/GPRN (IM) camp. While the Eastern Flank has rejected the current political approach, the Hebron-based leadership and its supporters have continued to reaffirm their commitment to the Framework Agreement and the existing collective leadership.
