On the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has reaffirmed its commitment to Naga sovereignty and the principles enshrined within the agreement. The NSCN-IM views the Framework Agreement as a testament to the recognition of Naga's sovereign rights by the Indian government.
Q. Tuccu, the Chairman of NSCN-IM, emphasized that the "political significance" of the Framework Agreement lies in the Indian government's recognition of the Nagas' "sovereign rights". He stated that the NSCN-IM will not relinquish what was achieved on August 3, 2015, and will continue to strive for their "rightful place with sovereign right as a nation".
The Framework Agreement, signed between the NSCN-IM and the Indian government in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was hailed as a historic breakthrough in resolving the decades-long Indo-Naga conflict. The agreement acknowledges the unique history of the Nagas and recognizes their sovereignty, while establishing a principle of shared sovereignty between India and the Nagas. It also recognizes the Nagas as the rightful owners of their land, including its surface and underground resources.
However, the NSCN-IM has expressed concerns over the Indian government's sincerity in honoring the Framework Agreement. The group has stated that while the Nagas are committed to peace, they will not compromise their future for a superficial solution. They insist on a resolution that respects their sovereign rights and allows them to coexist peacefully with other communities while building an autonomous Naga state based on their historical identity.
In his address, Th Muivah, General Secretary and Chief Political Negotiator of NSCN-IM, reaffirmed the commitment to securing the Naga people's right to self-determination. He referenced the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of 2002 and the Framework Agreement of 2015, stating that these agreements recognized the unique history and sovereignty of Nagalim and would form the basis for any final political settlement with the Government of India. He stressed that key elements of the agreement, including the Naga national flag, constitution, and territorial integrity, must remain part of any resolution.
Amidst these reaffirmations, the NSCN-IM has hardened its stance against the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), stating that it cannot work with them or share any platform in pursuit of a political solution. Q. Tuccu called collaboration with the NNPGs a "dangerous proposition," citing fundamental differences in political vision. He alleged that the NNPGs were created by the Government of India to counterweight the NSCN-IM's leadership and had failed to uphold the "sanctity of the uniqueness of the Naga history and political situation". The NSCN-IM views the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position of the NNPGs as being "poles apart" with no meeting point between the two.
The NSCN-IM has also reiterated that there can be no solution without a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas. The group has vowed to defend the "unique history and sovereignty of Nagalim" and has urged both India and Myanmar to cease their alleged acts of "betrayal and colonizing of Nagalim" and conclude an honorable political agreement with the NSCN and Nagalim. They have also reaffirmed their commitment to the Naga plebiscite held on May 16, 1951, where the Nagas voted for independence and rejected the Indian and Myanmar constitutions.
The NSCN-IM maintains that the Framework Agreement is the cornerstone of the Indo-Naga relationship and serves as a bridge between the two entities rather than a barrier. They urge all parties to uphold the spirit of the agreement, which remains the foundation for a lasting solution to the decades-long conflict.
