Naga Peace talks

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Context: Naga groups seek early peace deal. Nagaland Government-led consultative committee meeting adopted resolution for an early political solution.

Recent developments:

The Naga peace talks were also impacted by the incident on December 4, 2021 when six villagers returning from a coal mine were killed in an operation by para commandos of the Assam Rifles in Nagaland’s Mon district.
The dialogue between the Union Government and the NSCN-IM collapsed in 2020 when the largest Naga group refused to hold any further talks with government appointed interlocutor.

History of Naga struggle:

About Naga Peace Talks:

The talks seek to settle disputes that date back to colonial rule.
The Nagas are an ethnic community that comprises several tribes who live in the state of Nagaland and its neighbourhood.
Key demands of Naga groups: Creation of Greater Nagalim, an extension of Nagaland’s borders by including Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and even of Myanmar uniting 1.2 million Nagas.
Assertion of Naga nationalism, gave rise to decades of insurgency that claimed thousands of lives.

What is the Naga peace process?

It refers to ongoing talks between the Indian government and Naga insurgent groups, in particular the NSCN(IM), since 1997 with the aim to sign a Naga Peace Accord.
The Naga insurgency, rooted in Naga nationalism, is one of the oldest insurgencies in the country.

What has happened since?

In August 2015, the group signed a framework agreement with the Indian government for the Naga Peace Accord.
Both the government and Naga groups successfully concluded talks on the government’s deadline of October 31, 2019, no accord was signed.
In January 2020, the government had IB special director Akshay Mishra step in and continue the engagement.

How did things go wrong?

The NSCN(IM) and the Indian government differed in their understanding of the framework agreement.
The NSCN(IM) insistent on a Naga constitution, and was pushing for a Greater Nagalim stretching beyond the boundaries of the present Nagaland state.
Although IM had softened its stance on the demand for a separate flag and constitution, still a few bones of contention remained.
In November 2017, Ravi signed an agreement with seven groups who had come together under the banner of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), which did not include the NSCN (IM).
The IM, accused Ravi of attempting to “segregate the Naga civil society”.
Ravi, meanwhile, continued to engage with the other Naga groups, and declared that the Accord would be signed with or without the NSCN(IM).

What are the real issues?

The Naga issue is very complex, and is led by a Tangkhul from Manipur, for whom it is difficult to abandon the demand for a Greater Nagalim.
There is no way the government would accept a separate constitution for Nagaland.

What is the way forward?

It is important to understand that there cannot be an accord without the NSCN(IM).
There is need to delicately close the gap between the IM and NNPGs.
Some demands that need ironing out include
- one for a bicameral Assembly with at least 40 nominated members representing different tribes;
- absorption of cadres as local armed forces or in the Indian paramilitary;
- setting up of autonomous councils in Naga-dominated areas of neighbouring states; and
- use of the Naga flag for at least customary events.