Nagaland: Leaders question suspense on solution

Around 24 senior leaders cutting across various professions in Nagaland, deliberated on the pressing need for early solution to the Naga political issue in the light of signing of political agreements between the government of India with principal Naga National Groups- Framework Agreement with NSCN (I-M) on August 3, 2015 and Agreed Position with WC/NNPGs on November 17, 2017.
Former legislators, ministers, bureaucrats and intellectuals met at the farm house –residence of veteran Naga leader and former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir where a press conference was later held.
After brief introduction by former minister K. Therie, former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir informed that the meeting focused on the urgency for Naga political solution, describing Nagaland as “a wounded person groaning in pain” despite the people’s yearning for peace and stability.
Dr. Jamir maintained that solution to the Naga political issue ought to have been resolved since two agreements to this effect were signed by the two principal Naga Political Groups-NSCN(I-M) on August 3, 2015 and the WC/NNPGs on November 17,2017 after three decades of prolonged deliberations. However, Dr. Jamir said solution has been kept on the backburner because of the delaying tactic employed by the NSCN(I-M) despite other NPGs having committed to the agreement they signed.
Dr. Jamir also reminded that none of the NPGs raised any dissenting voice; rather there were jubilations on the day the agreements were signed in the presence of the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, Naga leaders and other top civil and defence officials.
Dr. Jamir said the delay by the NSCN(I-M) was deliberate despite existence of “a ready-made political framework”. Demanding to know “when will it be implemented?” Jamir added “the sooner it is implemented, the better, because the Naga people want to live in peace and progress like other states.”
Dr. Jamir said the elders at the meeting, deliberated on how soon the Government of India and concerned authorities would implement the two agreements, adding that the FA and AP cannot continue to be kept in cold storage.
He also lamented that some did not want peace and described such elements as those who were disturbing the land because “peace is not a solution for them.”
He said contents in the FA and AP clearly ruled out sovereignty and integration, adding that not every clause of the agreements needed to be incorporated into the Constitution of India.
“When the Government of India has already signed the FA and AP, there is no scope for seeking anything beyond them,” he added.
On the other hand, he said under the 16 Point Memorandum of Understanding, only Article 371(A) was incorporated in the constitution as it was deemed necessary.
On various NGOs and CSOs holding meetings on the Naga political issue, Dr. Jamir said they were not parties to the agreements and therefore there was no scope beyond agreements already signed between the government of India with the principal NPGs.
Convener K. Therie said the meeting was held after observing the prevailing Naga situation, noting that despite talks concluding years ago, “no solution has become the solution” for many, including the state government, the Centre, and Naga Political Groups. He stressed that the youth suffer most, with thousands of educated unemployed left without hope. The gathering discussed ways to implement agreements concluded six years ago and urged the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) to help salvage the future. Therie said the meeting resolved to pressure the Government of India to implement the agreements, questioning the delay despite negotiations being declared complete.
Convener K. Therie clarified that the forum was apolitical and not aligned against any party, urging like-minded elders to join the initiative. He said 24 people attended the meeting and challenged youth to fight for their future, assuring elder support.
On Pan Naga Hoho, Therie noted many societies had rejected it, stressing the Government of India cannot impose it without consultation. He questioned why Nagas from other states should obstruct solution for Nagaland. He also made it clear that flag and sovereignty were not the real issues. The meeting resolved to press the Centre, state government, and CFMG for early implementation of agreements, with more meetings planned.
Former Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Z. Lohe has accused the Government of India of failing to deliver a political solution, despite being the major partner in negotiations. Supporting Dr. Jamir’s remarks, he alleged that one signatory, the NSCN (I-M), was delaying implementation. He therefore, questioned the value of agreements if signatures are not respected.
Also addressing the media, retired commissioner and secretary KK Sema described the plight of educated unemployed youth as “critical.” He stressed that solution must serve both elders and the younger generation. He accused the state government of blocking progress, calling its Political Affairs Committee a “political gimmick” meant to waste time rather than genuinely facilitate resolution.
Endorsing Dr. S.C. Jamir’s view, KK Sema pointed out that the negotiating groups represent the public interest, not merely their cadres, and therefore whatever demands they have placed before the Centre should be made known to their people. He added that if NSCN (I-M) wanted to retain competency clauses, they should apply in Manipur, not Nagaland. He also clarified the forum was apolitical, formed purely out of concern for prolonged Naga suffering.