NSCN-IM Supremo Thuingaleng Muivah has reaffirmed that the Naga national flag and constitution are non-negotiable in the ongoing peace talks with the Government of India. This declaration underscores the continued impasse in the peace process, which has been ongoing for over two decades.

Muivah's statement was delivered during a rare public appearance on Wednesday, October 22, marking his return to his native village of Somdal in Manipur's Ukhrul district after more than 50 years. Due to frail health, his message was read out by veteran NSCN leader V.S. Atem. Atem reiterated the organization's unwavering commitment to its political principles, emphasizing that any agreement signed by the central government with other Naga factions would not be recognized by the NSCN-IM.

Muivah's message conveyed that if the Indian government desires an honorable settlement, it must uphold and respect the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement. He called upon the Naga people to continue their political struggle until the vision of sovereign recognition under the Naga Flag and Constitution is realized.

The Indo-Naga ceasefire and political peace process began on August 1, 1997. Since then, there have been over 70 rounds of negotiations, culminating in the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015. However, the central government's refusal to accept the NSCN-IM's demand for a separate flag and constitution has prevented a final settlement.

Muivah accused the Indian government of betraying the Framework Agreement by refusing to acknowledge Naga national symbols. He also alleged that the Centre is attempting to divide the Naga people to weaken their unity.

The NSCN-IM has maintained that the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue is based on three principles: unconditional discussions, held at the highest level, and conducted in a third country.

In 2017, the Indian government held parallel negotiations with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs), a coalition of seven Naga organizations, resulting in the signing of the "agreed position" the same year. While the WC NNPGs have shown willingness to accept a pragmatic solution, the NSCN-IM remains firm that no agreement is acceptable without a distinct flag and constitution.

Muivah also addressed the concept of "Nagalim," also known as "Greater Nagaland," which envisions a unified territory including Nagaland and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Myanmar’s Sagaing region. He vowed to defend the "sovereign national decision of Nagalim to the last". However, both the Indian and Myanmar governments do not officially recognize Nagalim, and its territorial claims remain politically sensitive and contested.

Muivah's return to his native village after five decades was marked by a significant public reception, highlighting his importance within the Naga community. Thousands of residents greeted him, with locals dressed in traditional attire lining the streets. He expressed gratitude to the Tangkhul community, civil society groups, human rights activists, students' and women's organizations, the Manipur government, and churches for facilitating his homecoming.

Less than 48 hours before his scheduled departure from Ukhrul district, Muivah asserted that the NSCN-IM would not compromise on the Naga political issue. He insisted that peace negotiators representing New Delhi understood his position, which has been consistent since the truce was declared in 1997.