WC NNPGs Reaffirms ‘Agreed Position’ and Challenges NSCN (IM) on Framework Agreement in Nagaland

In a major political development in Nagaland, the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs), led by prominent leader N Kitovi Zhimomi, has reaffirmed its stance on the “Agreed Position,” clarifying that it is unambiguous and not misleading. This declaration comes in response to recent statements by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) – Isak-Muivah (IM) faction, which raised concerns over the differences between the “Agreed Position” and the “Framework Agreement” signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) in 2015.

The WC NNPGs emphasized that the Government of India has recognized the historical and political rights of the Nagas, allowing them to determine their future based on their unique identity. The group underscored that while the political landscape evolves, the recognition of these rights remains central to the negotiation process. This statement highlights the importance of understanding the Naga issue within the context of both historical and contemporary political realities.

The Agreed Position vs. Framework Agreement: WC NNPGs’ Response

The WC NNPGs made it clear that the “Agreed Position,” which is an understanding reached between the Naga groups and the Government of India, is clear and not open to misinterpretation. The group rejected any attempts to compare this position with the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.

One of the key criticisms levied by the WC NNPGs against the Framework Agreement was its opening statement, which asserts that the Indo-Naga political conflict is “about six decades old.” According to the WC NNPGs, this assertion undermines the sacrifices made by thousands of Nagas before 1955 in the struggle for their political and territorial rights. The group described this framing as a betrayal to the lives lost in the Naga struggle for independence prior to the mid-20th century.

In addition to questioning the historical accuracy of the Framework Agreement’s opening statement, the WC NNPGs accused the NSCN (IM) of disregarding critical historical milestones. These include the Naga Plebiscite of 1951, a major political event in Naga history that expressed the will of the Naga people for independence, and the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947. The WC NNPGs argue that these events, which predate the Framework Agreement by several decades, are central to understanding the true historical context of the Naga political movement.

Historical Context and the Naga Struggle for Independence

The Naga issue has deep historical roots, with the Naga people declaring their independence on August 14, 1947, just a day before India’s independence from British colonial rule. However, the Indian government did not recognize the Naga declaration, and conflict ensued. The Naga Plebiscite of 1951 was a direct response to this, wherein a significant majority of the Naga population reaffirmed their desire for independence. The Naga struggle for political autonomy and self-determination continued in the decades following these pivotal moments.

The “Agreed Position” outlined by the WC NNPGs aims to incorporate these key historical events and reflects the aspirations of the Naga people. The group emphasized that any framework or agreement concerning the Naga issue must consider these historical milestones, along with the current political realities, to ensure a fair and lasting resolution to the conflict.

The reaffirmation of the “Agreed Position” by the WC NNPGs is an important step in the ongoing peace negotiations between the Naga groups and the Government of India. The group has made it clear that it remains committed to the peace process but insists on maintaining the integrity of the Naga identity and historical rights.

As the Naga peace process continues to unfold, the WC NNPGs’ statement highlights the need for all parties involved to acknowledge the full scope of Naga history, including the sacrifices made by the people in the pre-1955 era. The group remains hopeful that its position will be respected and that a solution that upholds the political and historical rights of the Naga people can be reached.

The reaffirmation of the “Agreed Position” by the WC NNPGs marks a crucial moment in the Naga peace process. As the group challenges NSCN (IM) on the Framework Agreement, it underscores the importance of acknowledging the full history of the Naga struggle for self-determination.