For the first time since signing the framework agreement in 2015 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has threatened to “resume violent armed resistance against India.”
Reason for Threat:
- NSCN-IM states that their threat is due to the perceived “betrayal and breach of commitment” by India and its leadership.
- They claim India has not honored the letter and spirit of the August 3, 2015, framework agreement.
Background on Nagas
- Ethnic Identity: The Nagas are an indigenous community residing in northeastern India and neighboring areas of Myanmar, believed to be Indo-Mongoloids who migrated around the 10th century BC.
Historical Context of Naga Insurgency
- Under British Rule: The Nagas experienced foreign rule for the first time in the 19th century with British occupation.
- World War II: Nagas supported British forces during the war.
- Naga National Council (NNC): Established in 1946, the NNC signed a Nine-Point Agreement with the Assam Governor, granting the Nagas control over their territory.
- Declaration of Independence: Nagas declared independence on 14th August 1947.
- Armed Movement in the 1950s: The NNC resorted to violence for Naga sovereignty, forming the Naga Federal Government (NFG) and Naga Federal Army (NFA) in 1952.
- Formation of NSCN: Following the Shillong Accord (1975), the NNC split into NSCN, which later split further into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (Khaplang) in 1988.
Key Issues in the Naga Insurgency
- Demand for Greater Nagalim: Naga groups seek a unified Naga territory, including parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam, and Myanmar, aiming for sovereign statehood.
- Distinct Identity: The demand includes a separate Naga Yezabo (Constitution) and national flag.
Peace Initiatives
- Shillong Accord (1975): This agreement aimed to disarm the NNC, though dissent led to a split in the organization.
- Ceasefire Agreement (1997): The NSCN-IM agreed to a ceasefire with the government to halt attacks on Indian armed forces, with a government commitment to cease counter-insurgency operations.
- Framework Agreement (2015): The Government of India recognized the unique history, culture, and aspirations of the Nagas in an agreement with NSCN-IM.
The Naga insurgency is one of India’s longest-running ethnic conflicts, stemming from demands for a sovereign Naga homeland by various factions since the 1940s. Despite peace agreements like the 2015 Naga Accord, challenges remain due to divisions among insurgent groups and disagreements over territorial integration and political autonomy.
