Delaying Naga Peace Accord

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