Rev.L.Suohie Mhasi
The Nagas were a free people before the occupation of the British Imperialism but were under the rule of the British Indian Government under different administrative units.
The British Government was aware of its exit and in 1929 which was ahead of 18 years of Indian independence the Nagas were asked by the Simon Commission whether the Nagas will be with India or to remain as before as a free people. The Naga elders on behalf of all the Nagas led by Rüzhükhrie Sekhose had submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission in which it was stated that the Nagas will remain as they were before the rule of the British Government. The Nagas were at liberty to opt for their future destiny and they had opted to have their own home as before.
Basing on the historic memorandum, the Nagas had declared Independence on August 14, 1947 and conducted a plebiscite in support of Naga Independence in 1951 proving the solidarity of the Nagas. Basing on the memorandum and the plebiscite, the Federal Government of Nagaland was formed on March 22, 1956 and a Ceasefire Agreement was signed on September 6, 1964 under a Peace Commission and had talk between the Gol and the FGN at Prime Ministerial level. The talk could not overcome an impasse and broke down.
Changes took place and after the gap of 32 years, the Second Ceasefire Agreement between the Gol and the NSCN (I-M) was signed in 1997 and peace talk continues till 2016.
According to my understanding the Framework Agreement is a basic implementation of the mutual agreement between the Gol and the NSCN (I-M) for settlement which is to be acceptable and honourable to both sides.
The original stand of the Nagas was full Independence or sovereignty. It is a matter of fact that it is short of the original stand of the Nagas. But it is a matter of fact too that the gravity of the situation which is beyond the ability of all of the people has brought the Nagas to where we are now. Within more than 30 years all of the Nagas have fallen prostrate on the ground and nobody could do anything. Truth alone is victorious. In truth we are with God and God is with us. Anything untruth is but chaff. All of the people have to accept the truth, to admit the truth and to be true and honest before God and to one another. We have to admit our own wrong or failure if any. We have to admit the right or wrong of others if any before God. It is the way of Christ. Whatever we say or do is to be justice which fears nothing. Seeking or doing the will of God is peace and victory in the long run.
The main substance under the Framework Agreement is recognizing the uniqueness of the history and situation of the Nagas, because the Naga National Movement is based on the historic Memorandum of the Naga Representatives submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and the Plebiscite in 1951. In the past years the Naga National Movement for freedom was dealt with militarily causing untold atrocities to the Nagas because the uniqueness of the Nagas in their struggle for Independence was not recognized but it was recognized now and recognition of the uniqueness of the history of the Nagas is recognizing Naga entity.
Regarding Naga integration which was one of the 16 points Agreement, integration of all of the Naga contiguous areas is agreed by the Gol except demarcation is to be done democratically.
The Nagas will have their own constitution to be attached to the constitution of India and the two entities have to live together in peaceful co-existence without jeopardizing the unity and integrity of India according to their statement.
Sooner or later a settlement is to be made. The sooner the better. There may be some problems but no problem is unable to be resolved through having relationship with God. “KNOW GOD, BELIEVE IN HIM, FEAR HIM AND OBEY HIM” Is the only way of solution to all problems and overcoming all evils in the world. This is the law of relationship with God which is the foundation of good relationship with fellow men and women. If all of the Nagas decide to seek relationship with God, it is the step towards bringing about peace and unity among the people. It is the only way of solution and victory. By trusting in God only let us hope that a settlement will be arrived at within the next few months.
