New Delhi's 'patience' seemed to have worked ::: Naga militants take upon themselves the task of 'calling spade a spade' ::: But Centre left worried?

Is fear of inter-tribals conflicts making New Delhi worried ?

Distorted versions often make entry into public space. 

But the so-called 'impressive ability' to twist the truth always has a limitation.

It must be appreciated that the Naga militants have taken upon themselves the task of 'calling spade a spade'.

The reference is to a statement from the pro-Solution pact NNPGs (conglomeration of multiple Naga underground groups) against NSCN-IM especially for their alleged 'delay tactics' vis-a-vis the signing of the final peace pact.

The grand ceremony is hanging fire since 2019 October.

Both the NSCN-IM and the NNPGs (Naga National Political Groups) have signed two separate preliminary agreements with the Narendra Modi Govt.  

Naga Militants taking 'tea break'

In fact, the Framework Agreement between Govt of India and the NSCN-IM was signed on Aug 3, 2015 in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NSA Ajit Doval and also the then Home Minister Rajnath Singh.  

This year Aug 3rd was the 10th anniversary of signing of the Framework Agreement and the NSCN-IM now says --

"....to work with the NNPGs is a dangerous proposition".

The refrain from NSCN-IM chairman Q Tuccu has been that the working committee of the NNPGs “propagate Naga political solution under the Constitution of India”. 

This is truly a case of 'affirming' the divide. Hence came this angry outbursts from the NNPG on Aug 10th.

The NNPG statement says:

"There is a term going around called a "Common Draft" for convergence of all stakeholders. Let it be known that it is the initiative of the Government of India (Gol) for an inclusive Naga solution. 

The WC, NNPGs have acknowledged it in principle, provided the draft do not disturb the core fabric of AGREED POSITION of 17th November 2017".

The Govt of India as well as overwhelming sections of civil society in Nagaland (if not all)  favour a Common Draft.

That means - the key points from both the preliminary pacts the Agreed Position of 2017 and the Framework Agreement of 2015 should be incorporated. 

But the August 3rd statement is now an ultimate dcclaration from the NSCN-IM chairman that the faction is unwilling to do business with other Naga ultra groups.  

The complexity of Naga issue cannot be comprehended even by those tracking Nagaland matters seriously. 

In October 2019 during the final days of successful round of peace parleys between the NSCN (IM) and the centre, there was unrest in Manipur.

One day 'cease work' had paralysed the state. And reportedly this left even Union Home Minister Amit Shah irked. So when even as the Naga peace talks 'entered' the final and crucial stage on Oct 31, 2019, Shah had ordered mandarins in his ministry to issue a statement through PIB that 'no final word' has been said or could be said until the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been consulted.  

Few months later during the session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on January 17, 2020, the then Governor of Nagaland R N Ravi (who was also the interlocutor) had addressed the House, stating that the negotiation which was going on for years between the Government of India and Naga National Political Groups has been successfully concluded on October 31, 2019.  

The Govt of India has actually felt 'let down (or even betrayed)' more than once. 

New Delhi's complaints have been that the NSCN-IM's sudden inclusion (addition) of two demands of a separate Naga constitution and a Naga flag were not acceptable to the centre. 

According to a senior Naga militant leader Neakpao Konyak (as in Feb 2025) -- the NSCN-IM had placed the demands of constitution and the flag knowing pretty well that such things cannot be entertained by a legitimate and elected Government in Delhi.  

"Muivah knows no Indian leader or Prime Minister can give what he is asking.... but still (jani jani kena eneka)... knwing it all, these are being asked".

In an interview with the blogger he had said even the demand from NSCN-IM to ask for 'Pan Naga Hoho' will not be acceptable by other Nagas of Nagaland state.

Veteran Neakpao Konyak 

The NNPG statement on Aug 10th with the approval of old war horse N Kitovi Zhimomi in effect highlights some of the highly controversial but key aspects as regard the Naga socio-political life.

"Skeletons are protruding from the ground as to why the Framework Agreement (FA) has become a secret agenda incapable of standing scrutiny before the Naga people," says NNPG.

"The real motive over NSCN IM's Flag and Constitution is this: 

It is more of an insurance policy, an emotional tool to continue transferring Nagaland's wealth to acquire assets in Ukhrul and elsewhere. 

"A bargaining chip for constitutional guarantee as part of political solution. 

To transfer Intangki reserve forest stretch and surrounding areas, create a township for Nagas from Manipur only. 

"They plan to administer the area by senior Tangkhul members welding political and administrative power through new political arrangement. 

This layer of political discourse cannot be disclosed even to their very own civil and military workers from Nagaland state, let alone put out in the public domain". 

Amit Shah needs to take a closer look at things

But these statements ether from the NSCN-IM on Aug 3rd and from the NNPG led by Kitovi on Aug 10th are no good or healthy signs. 

The much harmful and yet powerful elements of Tribalism has now come to the forefront.

Tangkhuls are native Nagas of present day Manipur state.  

It may be stated here that in October 2022, the locals-outsiders debate --- a long lasting feature in the northeast and also in Nagaland had taken a new twist and somewhat ugly turn. 

The Senior Citizens’ Association of Nagaland (SCAN) had alleged that the establishment of the state Forest Department within the Intangki National Park has been taken over and was under complete control of the NSCN (IM). 

The association members revealed this to media persons at a press conference in Kohima on the backdrop of a 'vague evasive' RTI response and in consequence to a hearing in the Court of the State Chief Information Commissioner.

Khekiye Sema, retd IAS

The SCAN had raised ten questions in the RTI and apart from other general issues there were four pointed questions in relation to the subject.

A retired IAS officer Khekiye Sema, SCAN spokesman, said on the RTI query as to why the Forest Department’s Staff on duty for the protection of Intangki Reserved Forest have been issued 'vacation notice' from their quarters built specifically for the Department of Forest, the official response was -- 

“No such vacation order to the Intangki Reserved Forest Staff was received.”

The complex issue related to tribalism could lead to tribal clashes in the future as the NSCN-IM is dominated by Tangkhuls whose native district is Ukhrul in the state of Manipur.

 

Blogger at Manipur capital - Imphal 

The Govt of India is sensitive to the fact that it has already faced a major ethnic clash between Christian Kukis and Hindu-majority Meiteis in Maniput since May 2023. 

Another gory chapter ought to be avoided at any cost. 

ends