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Delaying Naga Peace Accord

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August 24, 2018

What is the issue?

  • A Framework Agreement was signed in 2015 to end the decades-old Naga insurgency.
  • However, the Naga peace process (accord) is yet to be finalised.

What is the Nagaland issue?

  • Few sections of the Naga people are particular of forming a separate new country.
  • This 'Greater Nagalim' incorporates the entire state of present Nagaland and some Naga-inhabited parts.
  • These include parts of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
  • While the area of Nagaland is around 16,500 sq km, Greater Nagalim sprawls over 1,20,000 sq km.
  • The demand for Nagalim has always agitated Assam, Manipur and Arunachal.
  • Peace talks with Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN(I-M)], the then most lethal insurgent group started in 1997.
  • In 1997, the insurgent group leaders agreed to a ceasefire.

What is the 2015 agreement?

  • The Framework Agreement was a culmination of so many rounds of negotiations over the years.
  • It was signed by the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi and leader of the NSCN (I-M).
  • It aimed at facilitating stronger ties among Nagas across the region.
  • However, it does not change substantially the jurisdictional and administrative authority of neighbouring states.
  • The framework agreement did accept special status for the Nagas.
  • This gave due regard to the uniqueness of Naga history.

How has the progress been?

  • The Centre’s interlocutor recently made a submission before a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
  • He noted that it was implied in the agreement that “some special arrangement” would be made for the Nagas.
  • With respect to Nagaland there is already a special arrangement.
  • Article 371A of the Constitution makes this very clear and a special status has been accorded to them.
  • The Nagas initially insisted on the unification of Naga inhabited areas - “no integration, no solution”.
  • But they have now reached an understanding with the government.
  • Accordingly, the current boundaries of Northeastern states will not be touched.
  • Besides the NSCN-IM, the government also held discussions with six other groups.
  • The NSCN-K, which violated the ceasefire in 2015, was not part of the peace process.
  • It was declared an unlawful association under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Why is the delay in finalising the accord?

  • All stakeholders other than the government appear keen on a conclusion.
  • Many details of the 2015 agreement are concealed in mystery.
  • The Naga groups have given up the demand for sovereignty and redrawing of boundaries.
  • But the issues like a separate passport, flag and armed Naga battallions are still unresolved.

 

Source: Indian Express

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