Less than two weeks after senior NSCN-IM leader RH Raising threatened to walk out of the ongoing peace talks if the NSCN-IM’s demand for a separate flag and constitution is not met, a call for a “One Day Peace Rally” on November 8, 2023 at Ukhrul Headquarters has been announced by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex Tangkhul Naga students’ body. The rally, scheduled to commence at 10:00 am from two different starting points and culminate in a public meeting, is aimed at highlighting two key objectives, according to a press release from TKS and reports by Ukhrul Times.
RH Raising, speaking at a day-long public consultative meeting of Naga leaders in Manipur’s Naga-inhabited Ukhrul district on October 25, reportedly emphasized that the NSCN -IM is prepared to walk out of the ceasefire with the Union government if the Nagas’ interests are not duly considered by the Narendra Modi administration, as reported by Sangai Express. The Naga Political issue over the years has been used by political parties for political campaigns; however, it is yet to see a breakthrough.
Omry Ningshen, the vice president of TKS, explained that the rally serves two primary purposes: to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process based on the Framework Agreement, and to reassert that the negotiations led by the collective leadership under the banner of NSCN-IM represent the mandate of the Naga people.
The press release from TKS also pointed out the existence of internal and external influences working to create discord and disunity within the Naga community. Consequently, TKS sees it as imperative for concerned Naga individuals to unite and present a collective voice during these challenging times.
In the statement, TKS remarked, “The time has come for us to demonstrate our solidarity and collectively advocate for the expeditious resolution of the Indo-Naga issue, based on the ‘Framework Agreement,’ which is mutually acceptable. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm that the negotiations led by the collective leadership under the banner of NSCN/GPRN carry the unequivocal mandate of the Naga people.”
The NSCN-IM, since the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015, has stood firm on its demand of the Naga Flag and constitution. According to RH Raising, the issue of a separate flag is in the ‘finalization stage’, while the matter concerning the constitution is still ‘under negotiation’.
Echoes of empty assurances
The Naga political issue has persisted for decades, despite numerous assurances from various political parties. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and BJP National President JP Nadda have both made strong statements regarding resolving the Naga political issue, but skepticism lingers about the depth of their commitment.
Back in 2015, Prime Minister Modi proclaimed the Naga issue was resolved with the signing of the Framework Agreement. However, eight years later, the problem remains unresolved, leaving the people of Nagaland in a state of uncertainty. During the NDPP’s general body meeting in September 2023, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated his party’s dedication to resolving the Naga political issue. Such affirmations have become commonplace in Nagaland’s political landscape, yet substantive progress remains elusive.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF), on its 61st foundation day in October 2023, once again emphasized the need for a prompt political resolution to the Indo-Naga political problem. While their commitment is notable, it raises questions about the need for concrete action alongside recurrent declarations. Adding to the chorus of political statements, even the new entrant to Nagaland state politics, Lok Janshakti Party – Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) of Nagaland in July 2023 urged the Government of India and negotiating parties to expedite a solution to the Naga political issue.
It is evident that political parties in Nagaland frequently express their commitment to solving the Naga political issue, yet their actions often fall short of their words. Meanwhile, the voices from Nagaland that once used to demand “Solution before election” appear to have gone cold turkey.