We, the participants of the Three-day In-House Workshop on ‘Naga-India Framework Agreement’ organized by the Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA), held at University of Delhi, Delhi from 13th-15th August 2016, adopt this Communiqué.
While acknowledging the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed by the Naga Collective Leadership and the Government of India, we present the following concerns and aspirations on the ongoing Naga-India political dialogue –
1. The Naga-India conflict is quintessentially a geo-political issue between the two entities. Therefore, settlement to the Naga-India issue must be political, based on the rights and aspirations of the Nagas.
2. Solution to the Naga-India political issue must be based on ‘the unique history and situation of the Nagas’, which has also been recognised by the Government of India.
3. The ideology of modern sovereign Naga nation rooted in shared socio-cultural experience, political aspiration and self-determination was made known to the world for the first time through the Memorandum of the Naga Club to the Simon Commission in 1929.
4. In pursuance of the conviction for self-determination, the Nagas, under the aegis of Naga National Council declared Independence on 14 August 1947, a day before the declaration of India’s Independence. The Naga declaration of independence was reaffirmed in the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 to dispel the manoeuvres and undermining elements of the Government of India and Government of Burma (Myanmar) on the legitimacy of the declaration of Naga independence in 1947.
5. The Nagas have never entered into any treaty for merger with or annexation to any state, be it India or Burma (Myanmar). Nagas were divided through different divisive instruments - Treaty of Yandabo (1826) signed between British-India and the King of Burma; 16-Point Agreement (1960) and Shillong Accord (1975).
6. The ongoing initiative for Naga-India political settlement between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim and the Government of India should therefore take cognizance of the political realities and aspiration of the Nagas for self-determination.
7. Territorial integration of the contiguous Naga areas should be part of the settlement. The rights and aspiration of the Nagas to live together under one government is a political right.
8. Any agreement that would be signed should accord Nagalim with legislative, executive, judiciary and financial powers outside the purview of the Union of India. The political structure of Nagalim should be democratic and representative.
9. The Government of India should not disrupt the unity of Nagas in the process of negotiation, which will delay and derail the political settlement of fulfilling the long cherished aspiration of the Nagas.
10. The protracted ongoing negotiation between Nagas and India for the last 19 years has created space of suspicion on the sincerity and political will of the Government of India. Therefore, solution to the Naga-India problem must be sought within specific timeframe.
11. The solution to the Naga issue should not be diluted and sabotaged on the pretext of protecting territorial integrity of neighbouring states.
12. The Nagas have suffered and sacrificed too long in their conviction and struggle for self-determination. So the process of negotiation should be inclusive of the rights and aspirations of the Nagas.
1. Dr. Walunir
2. Dr. Kamei Aphun
3. Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan
4. Ms. Sulila Anar
5. Ms. Limabenla
6. Mr. Thomas Thailu
7. Dr. Poujenlung Gonmei
8. Mr. Ngonamei Holang
9. Prof. Yaruingam Awungshi
10. Mr. Lakpachui Siro
11. Mr. James Pochury
12. Dr. Gideon Shadang
13. Ms. Khrielhoumenuo Suokhrie
14. Mr. Kuolie Mere
15. Dr. R. Vashum
16. Mr. Worso Zimik
17. Mr. K. Kokho
