The Narendra Modi government has signed a “historic peace agreement“ with Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), the Naga outfit named after its two leaders, Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, concluding talks that began in 1997.
“The government and the NSCN successfully concluded the dialogue on Naga political issue, which has existed for six decades. The government recognized the unique history , culture and position of the Nagas and their sentiments and aspirations. The NSCN understood and appreciated the Indian political system and governance,“ the government said in a statement. This seemed to indicate that NSCN had dropped its initial sovereignty demand and accepted the Indian Constitution. But it was unclear whether Centre had agreed to an exercise of “reorganisation of states“ as suggested during talks by NSCN to integrate Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam with Nagaland. Sources said other options discussed during talks was more autonomy to the Naga-inhabited areas in other states through autonomous councils, given the protest led by Manipur to any re-drawing of its boundary .
Muivah, who signed the `accord' in presence of PM Narendra Modi at a function at 7 RCR, later issued a written statement saying “a better understanding has been arrived at and a framework agreement has been concluded basing on the unique history and position of the Nagas and recognising the universal principle that in a democracy , sovereignty lies with the people.“ Muivah's statement added that he applauds Modi's statesmanship shown towards finding possible final political solution. “With all faith and confidence, we believe that an honourable peaceful solution will be worked out before long,“ Muivah's said. A government statement issued after signing of the agreement said it will “advance a life of dignity, opportunity and equity for the Naga people, based on their genius and consistent with the uniqueness of Naga people and their culture and traditions.“
Without giving any details on the agreement, it said: “Within this framework agreement, details and execution plan will be released shortly.“ Senior government officials remained tight-lipped.
“The entire top leadership of the NSCN (IM), including all members of the `collective leadership', has fully endorsed the agreement and was present during the ceremony ,“ a government statement said. 19 other top Naga leaders from different groups and civil society organisations were also present at the function at 7, RCR to sign the accord at a function where PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval were on the stage along with Muivah.“Nagas will always remember Modi for his statesmanship. Under him, we have come close to understand each other and worked out a new relation between the two parties,“ Muivah said. ““Unfortunately , the Naga problem has taken so long to resolve because we did not understand each other. This landmark Peace Accord will be a breakthrough in bringing peace to Northeast. I compliment NSCN (I-M) for maintaining ceasefire,“ Modi said.
Before the agreement was signed, Modi spoke to former PM Manmohan Singh and other Opposition leaders.
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