NSCN (I-M) flags deviation from Framework Agreement

NSCN (I-M), through its Ministry of Alee Affairs (Foreign Affairs), has alleged that the prevailing situation in Manipur and parts of Nagaland reflected what it termed as “Indian state terrorism” and a manifestation of India’s hegemonic geo-political ambition.
In a statement issued by its external publicity wing (EPW), NSCN (I-M) claimed that violence involving Kuki groups and inter-community clashes were part of a larger strategy to legitimise the creation of a “Kuki state/homeland.” It alleged that Kuki groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) were being used as instruments in a broader geo-political design.
The group further alleged that incidents such as inter-community clashes between Meiteis and Kukis, construction of roads in Naga-inhabited areas, and attacks on Naga villages were being used as pretexts to advance this objective.
NSCN (I-M) claimed that such developments were linked to India’s larger strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, including projects under the Act East policy and the Kaladan initiative connecting West Bengal with Myanmar through the North East.
Citing geo-political theories of the “Rimland,” NSCN (I-M) alleged that India’s ambition to emerge as a major global power was influencing its policies in the region.
NSCN (I-M) also accused right-wing Hindu nationalist forces and certain Indian agencies of pursuing policies aimed at dividing the Nagas through factionalism and territorial fragmentation.
The group further alleged cross-border implications, claiming that certain armed groups were being used as proxies beyond Indian territory, including in Myanmar.
NSCN (I-M) said that during the 28 years of Indo-Naga political peace process, initiated on August 1, 1997, significant milestones were achieved under the statesmanship of India’s past and present leaders– former prime ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao, H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, along with late Rajesh Pilot, and NSCN/GPRN chief political negotiator and general secretary/ato kilonser Th. Muivah.
NSCN (I-M) said these efforts led to key developments, including the signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué on July 11, 2002 and the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015.
However, the NSCN alleged that refusal to recognise a separate Naga flag and constitution indicated what it termed as a calculated political agenda to reshape the region’s political geography.
During the Indo-Naga peace process, NSCN (I-M) expressed concern over what it described as continued militarisation, the emergence of multiple factions and recurring inter-community conflicts, including the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, as part of a wider political context influencing the region.
It alleged that divisions had emerged within Naga ranks and claimed that cross-border dynamics, including military operations and support to various groups in Myanmar, had added to the challenges confronting the ongoing political dialogue.
NSCN (I-M) alleged that deviation from the letter and spirit of Framework Agreement had contributed to the prevailing situation in Ukhrul and other parts of Nagalim. It claimed that the developments reflected a broader geo-political approach and could also divert attention from the ongoing Indo-Naga political peace process between Government of India and NSCN.
The group further maintained that policies perceived as encouraging divisions among communities, territorial fragmentation and short-term arrangements would not provide a sustainable solution to the decades-old issue. It asserted that while such measures might appear effective in the short term, lasting peace could only be achieved through a political settlement that respects national aspirations.
NSCN (I-M) stated that India’s aspiration to emerge as a significant global player, particularly in the Rim Indo-Pacific region, would require responsible and accountable state. It urged the Government of India to demonstrate clear political will in resolving the protracted Indo-Naga political and stop its obsolete bully tactics.
In conclusion, NSCN (I-M) stated that resolving the decades-old Indo-Naga political issue in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 would be a an acid test of India’s political leadership. It said the manner in which the 28-year peace process between Government of India and NSCN is concluded, either peacefully or otherwise, would impact its future and geo-political aspiration.
NSCN (I-M) reiterated that Nagalim is for Christ and blessed with a unique history. It stated that, for NSCN, issues relating to Nagalim’s sovereignty, territory, national flag and national constitution remain non-negotiable.
The group said that its general secretary and chief political negotiator, Th. Muivah, had consistently maintained that any Indo-Naga political agreement must be based on the recognized uniqueness of Naga history, as officially recognized in the Framework Agreement, adding that “Nagalim shall stand firm to the last, come what may.