PTI
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 3
The government and the dominant I-M faction of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) announced Monday the signing of a framework agreement which should bring to an end the decades-old insurgency in the hills of Nagaland and districts in the adjoining states.
Details of the agreement, signed between NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and peace talks interlocutor R N Ravi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were not announced immediately. An official statement spoke of “an honourable settlement” and a “framework agreement”, adding that “details and execution plan will be released shortly”.
The announcement of the pact was made at the 7, Race Course Road residence of the Prime Minister where the I-M leadership — minus chairman Isak Chishi Swu who is ill and has been in and out of hospital — Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval and Army chief General Dalbir Singh were among those present.
For years, the NSCN (I-M) pressed for a Nagalim or Greater Nagaland which included the Naga-dominated districts of Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel in Manipur; Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills and parts of the districts of Golaghat, Sibsagar, Nagaon, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia in Assam; Dibang Valley, Lohit, Tirap and Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh; and, even the merger of Kachin state and Sagaing division in Myanmar.
With details of the agreement not made public, there was no immediate reaction from any of the state governments in the region.
Describing the accord as “historic”, Prime Minister Modi said: “Today, we mark not merely the end of a problem, but the beginning of a new future. We will not only try to heal wounds and resolve problems, but also be your partner as you restore your pride and prestige.”
“Today, to the leaders and the people of Nagaland, I say this: You will not only build a bright future for Nagaland, but your talents, traditions and efforts will also contribute to making the nation stronger, more secure, more inclusive and more prosperous. You are also the guardians of our eastern frontiers and our gateway to the world beyond. Equally, the rest of the nation will join you in shaping a future of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the Naga people,” he said.
Muivah said the government and Nagas were entering a “new relationship” but added that “beginning from now, challenges will be great.”
“Let me assure you that Nagas can be trustworthy,” he said.
