What is the issue?
- A Framework Agreement was signed in 2015 to end the decades-old Naga insurgency.
- However, the Naga peace process (accord) is yet to be finalised.
What is the Nagaland issue?
- Few sections of the Naga people are particular of forming a separate new country.
- This 'Greater Nagalim' incorporates the entire state of present Nagaland and some Naga-inhabited parts.
- These include parts of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
- While the area of Nagaland is around 16,500 sq km, Greater Nagalim sprawls over 1,20,000 sq km.
- The demand for Nagalim has always agitated Assam, Manipur and Arunachal.
- Peace talks with Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN(I-M)], the then most lethal insurgent group started in 1997.
- In 1997, the insurgent group leaders agreed to a ceasefire.
What is the 2015 agreement?
- The Framework Agreement was a culmination of so many rounds of negotiations over the years.
- It was signed by the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi and leader of the NSCN (I-M).
- It aimed at facilitating stronger ties among Nagas across the region.
- However, it does not change substantially the jurisdictional and administrative authority of neighbouring states.
- The framework agreement did accept special status for the Nagas.
- This gave due regard to the uniqueness of Naga history.
How has the progress been?
- The Centre’s interlocutor recently made a submission before a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
- He noted that it was implied in the agreement that “some special arrangement” would be made for the Nagas.
- With respect to Nagaland there is already a special arrangement.
- Article 371A of the Constitution makes this very clear and a special status has been accorded to them.
- The Nagas initially insisted on the unification of Naga inhabited areas - “no integration, no solution”.
- But they have now reached an understanding with the government.
- Accordingly, the current boundaries of Northeastern states will not be touched.
- Besides the NSCN-IM, the government also held discussions with six other groups.
- The NSCN-K, which violated the ceasefire in 2015, was not part of the peace process.
- It was declared an unlawful association under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Why is the delay in finalising the accord?
- All stakeholders other than the government appear keen on a conclusion.
- Many details of the 2015 agreement are concealed in mystery.
- The Naga groups have given up the demand for sovereignty and redrawing of boundaries.
- But the issues like a separate passport, flag and armed Naga battallions are still unresolved.
Source: Indian Express
