Indo-Naga Political Issue

New Delhi’s fluctuating commitment to the “Indo-Naga political issue” has made the Framework Agreement hang in the balance.

The NSCN (I-M) refers to itself as the Nagalim National Socialist Council.
According to the NSCN (I-M), the Centre has pledged to allow the Nagas to use their flag and constitution to preserve long-term peace in Naga-inhabited areas.
The extremist group’s headquarters outside Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial capital, will host the 44th Naga Republic Day celebration on March 21.

Background
- In 1881, the Naga Hills were included in British India.
- In 1918, the Naga Club was formed to bring disparate Naga clans together.
- In 1929, the Naga club rejected the Simon Commission, requesting that they “leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times.”
- In 1946, the club evolved into the Naga National Council (NNC).
- The NNC, led by Angami Zapu Phizo, declared Nagaland an independent state on August 14, 1947, and held a “referendum” in May 1951, claiming that 99.9% of Nagas favoured a “sovereign Nagaland.”
- Phizo established the Naga Federal Government (NFG) and Naga Federal Army on March 22, 1952.
- The Indian government dispatched the army to quash the rebellion and adopted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in 1958.
- After a violent clash, the NSCN divided into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in 1988.
- While the NNC faded away, and Phizo died in London in 1991, the NSCN (IM) became known as the “mother of all insurgencies” in the region.

A Greater Nagalim, or redrawing boundaries to put all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast under one administrative umbrella.
It has been a significant demand for Naga organisations.
It also encompasses parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam, and Burma.
The independent Naga Yezabo (Constitution) and Naga national flag are also in demand.

Defying a lasting solution
- The Naga insurgency has eluded a long-term solution due to its roots in;
  - Sub-national politics
  - The intricacies of regional geopolitics
  - The developing dynamics of counterinsurgency methods.
- Despite the Centre’s push to complete it by 2019, the much-touted peace deal has failed.
- The Naga insurgency has become a multifaceted issue with political, social, and economic repercussions.
Suffering for the general populace
- The Naga insurgency has resulted in violent divides, divisive tribalism, fratricidal feuds, and enormous suffering for the general population.
Law and order situation
- Law and order is a major worry in the state, with armed gangs exerting significant influence and questioning the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
Culture of extortion
- Armed gangs have been extorting and syphoning off funds for development activities.
- Armed groups’ unlawful collections have been a problem for numerous years.
- Armed gangs operate their own alternative ‘tax collecting’ systems.
- Tax extortion has been a contentious aspect of the Naga issue.

Shillong Accord (1975)
- In Shillong, a peace treaty was reached in which the NNC leadership decided to lay down their armaments.
- Unfortunately, other leaders refused to accept the accord, causing the NNC to split.
Ceasefire Agreement (1997)
- The NSCN-IM and the government agreed to a truce to suspend attacks against Indian army personnel.
- In exchange, the government would halt all offensive counter-insurgency operations.
Framework Agreement (2015)
- The Government of India acknowledged the Nagas’ unique history, culture, and status.
- As well as their sentiments and ambitions in this accord.
- The State administration recently agreed to prepare the Nagaland Registry of Indigenous People.
- However, the decision was put on hold due to pressure from various factions.

The Naga situation is complicated, and the NSCN(IM) is precarious.
It is difficult for them to renounce their demand for a Greater Nagalim.
But India cannot accept that demand, and a compromise must be found, which may take some time.

Pic Courtesy: Eastern Routes

Content Source: The Hindu