Senapati, August 3: The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga civil organization in Manipur, commemorated the ninth anniversary of the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN). The event was held at the UNC office in Senapati District Headquarters on Saturday.
UNC President Ng Lorho addressed the gathering with a strong desire for the Framework Agreement, signed on August 3, 2015, to lead to a long-awaited political solution. He noted that the peace effort has spanned 27 years, with no resolution in sight since the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN was established in 1997. This agreement was based on the premise that the Indo-Naga issue is a political rather than a military problem, with talks to be conducted without conditions and at the highest level, including the Prime Minister.
Lorho highlighted that the Framework Agreement recognizes the Indo-Naga issue as a ‘political conflict,’ affirming that the Government of India acknowledges the unique history and status of the Nagas. According to the Framework Agreement, the Nagas have never been part of India, Burma, or any other power by consent or conquest. The agreement asserts that sovereignty lies with the people, meaning the sovereignty of Nagalim belongs to the Naga people. Lorho emphasized that the Framework Agreement outlines a shared sovereign power between the Indian and Naga people and provides for an enduring and inclusive relationship of peaceful co-existence between them. He stressed that the flag and constitution are essential components of sovereignty, leaving no room for ambiguity.
UNC President strongly affirmed that Nagas can never be divided by any artificial district, state, or international boundaries. He urged that despair should not overcome the Nagas, who must stand firm on Naga national principles and remain united, regardless of the challenges ahead.
Lorho reminded the gathering that the Framework Agreement was signed by the NSCN as an independent entity and nation, not as a subordinate to the Union of India. He acknowledged the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence but expressed disappointment that the Framework Agreement has not yet been implemented after nine years. He questioned the Government of India’s political will and sincerity, warning that any failure in the talks would be the Government’s responsibility. Lorho reaffirmed that the Nagas expect a swift and amicable resolution.
General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, who led the program, noted that while the Framework Agreement was celebrated with great anticipation and the principle of shared sovereignty, no concrete solution has emerged after nine years. He said August 3 is observed throughout Nagalim as a day of thanksgiving to God for guiding the Nagas and to seek divine intervention for a fair and acceptable political agreement between India and the Naga people. Shatsang highlighted that political dialogue has stalled over issues of the flag and constitution, with the flag symbolizing Naga identity and the constitution representing guiding principles for mutual respect among nations.
He stressed that the Framework Agreement is foundational to the Naga nation, officially recognizing the two entities, acknowledging the Indo-Naga conflict as a “political conflict,” and affirming the unique history of the Nagas. The Framework Agreement also confirms the Naga people’s sovereignty and the integral nature of their national flag and constitution.
The event featured an invocation prayer by Ch. Priscilla Thiumai, President of the Naga Women Union; a patriotic song by M. Kadanbui Thangal; a biblical sharing and thanksgiving prayer by M. Pfokreni, Pastor of MBC Mao Taphou; a vote of thanks by Ch. Loli Sheshuna, Finance Secretary of UNC; and a benediction prayer by Rev. K. Daniel, President of SKABU. Attendees included UNC officials, ANSAM, NWU, NPMHR, KS Town Committee, former UNC Presidents, church leaders, NPO, SDWA, and others.
9 years after signing Framework Agreement! Time fly by….😔
And for sure they must be celebrating the observation day of the anniversary by heavy lunch, as if they have achieved their goal…lol
The Elusive Dream of Naga Aspiration:
How the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement is Failing the Naga People
The Indo-Naga Framework Agreement, signed in 2015, was hailed as a historic breakthrough in the decades-long quest for Naga self-determination. However, seven years on, the agreement remains a mere parchment, with the Indian government employing tactics of political strangulation, buying time, and honey-trapping corrupted leaders. The Naga aspiration for autonomy and self-governance seems farther away than ever, as selfish leaders prioritize personal gain over collective interests.
The framework agreement, negotiated between the Indian government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), aimed to establish a broad framework for a lasting solution to the Naga issue. However, the Indian government’s reluctance to implement the agreement’s provisions has led to widespread disillusionment among the Naga people.
Critics argue that the Indian government is employing a strategy of “delay and divide,” using financial inducements to co-opt Naga leaders and create divisions within the movement. This approach has led to the emergence of selfish leaders who prioritize personal gain over the collective interests of the Naga people.
The consequences of this approach are stark. The Naga aspiration for autonomy and self-governance remains unfulfilled, and the region continues to suffer from underdevelopment, poverty, and human rights abuses. The Indian government’s actions have also led to a breakdown of trust between the Naga people and the Indian state, making a lasting solution to the conflict increasingly elusive.
As the years drag on, the Naga people are left wondering if the framework agreement was merely a ruse to buy time and maintain the status quo. The Indian government’s actions have created a sense of hopelessness and despair, as the Naga aspiration for self-determination seems to slip further away.
In conclusion, the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement has failed to deliver on its promises, and the Indian government’s tactics of political strangulation and honey-trapping have only served to undermine the Naga movement. For the Naga people to achieve their aspirations, a new approach is needed – one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the collective interests of the Naga people.
so many framework agreements, seeing no changes