Senior Naga leaders press Centre to implement concluded Indo-Naga agreements as delays deepen youth frustration and political uncertainty.
Share
DIMAPUR — Expressing concern over the prolonged delay in implementing ‘concluded’ Indo-Naga political agreements, a group of like-minded elders of Nagaland on Thursday called for decisive political will from the government of India to deliver a final, honourable settlement and end decades of uncertainty.
The elders held their second consultative meeting on Naga political issue, followed by a press conference at the residence of former chief minister SC Jamir, where they warned that continued inaction has deepened public frustration and eroded hope, particularly among the youth.
Also read: ‘No ILP, No Service’: All Nagaland Taxi Association cracks down on violations
Former NPCC president K Therie said that the absence of a political solution had itself “become the solution” for many stakeholders, including the Centre, the state government and even Naga political groups, while ordinary citizens remain caught in the middle.
“The Naga people, especially the youth, are paying the price for this delay. Thousands of young people are unemployed, drifting without opportunities or direction, while many are forced to leave the state to survive,” Therie said. “This situation cannot continue.”
Stressing that silence was no longer an option, Therie said citizens, particularly the youth, must take responsibility and collectively push for implementation of the agreements. He urged institutions such as the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to come forward and help mobilise public conscience and pressure.
Therie maintained that negotiations have already concluded and that no major contentious issues remain in the public domain. “The talks are over. Agreements have been signed. What remains is political will,” he said, questioning why implementation has not begun.
Former chief minister SC Jamir said that the meeting was largely an informal consultative exercise aimed at reflecting on why, despite decades of negotiations and formal agreements, peace continues to elude Nagaland.
“There is a deep yearning among the people for peace and stability, yet Nagaland today resembles a mortally wounded person, groaning in pain, with no one willing to heal it,” Jamir said.
He asserted that the unresolved Naga political issue remains the single most critical factor undermining peace in the state, despite the signing of two landmark agreements—Framework Agreement with NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015, and Agreed Position with WC-NNPG on November 17, 2017.
Jamir said that over two to three decades of negotiations had already addressed all major political questions, including sovereignty, constitution, flag and integration. “After such extensive discussions, agreements were signed. Raising the same issues again after signing falls outside the legitimate political framework,” he said.
“The real question now is not negotiation, but implementation. These agreements cannot be kept in cold storage while the people continue to suffer,” Jamir added.
On concerns over territorial integration, Jamir categorically stated that the agreements clearly rule out integration or sovereignty. “Nagas of Nagaland will remain in Nagaland, Nagas of Manipur in Manipur, and Nagas of Arunachal in Arunachal. There is no ambiguity in the Framework Agreement or the Agreed Position,” he claimed.
Responding to queries on responsibility for the delay, Jamir said that, in his assessment, there was no obstruction from WC-NNPG, but that the NSCN (IM) continues to delay implementation. He cautioned the government of India against using unresolved demands on flag and constitution as an excuse to stall the political settlement.
“Assuming that the issue is not implementable because someone is lingering on flag and constitution is wrong,” he said, urging the Centre to move ahead with implementation based on signed agreements.
Former Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Z Lohe said that the Centre had earlier promised a political solution within 18 months, including a public assurance by the prime minister, but implementation remains pending.
“The removal of interlocutor RN Ravi, who was seen as committed to concluding the process, reflects a lack of respect for agreements already signed,” Lohe said, adding that the Political Affairs Committee (formed by Nagaland government) had also failed to demonstrate resolve by not adopting a clear resolution in recent meetings.
Retired IAS officer KK Sema highlighted the need to increase awareness among citizens, particularly the youth, about the realities on the ground, the existing roadblocks and the possibilities available to move forward.
“Young people, both educated and uneducated, are trapped in a state of hopelessness. This is an extremely critical situation that cannot be ignored,” Sema said, stressing the need to engage with the younger generation and guide them towards constructive action.
Sema also criticised what he described as political gimmickry surrounding repeated assurances of an “Election for Solution,” stating that such rhetoric has only deepened public disillusionment.
The elders agreed to hold further rounds of consultations and, in principle, resolved to exert sustained pressure on both the government of India and the Nagaland government to ensure early implementation of the concluded agreements.
They asserted that the responsibility for resolving the issue ultimately lies with the Naga people themselves and called for unity, honesty and courage to speak out. “This is our problem, and it must be solved by our own strength,” Jamir said.