Kamaljit Singh asked: A key objective of NSCN (IM) is integration of Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, which is strongly resisted by the three state governments. In which direction is the recently signed peace accord moving?

Namrata Goswami replies: The stated position of the NSCN (IM) in the negotiations has been one of Naga sovereignty and territorial integrity. That said, over the last few years, the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India have concentrated on issues like acceptance of Naga culture, history and tradition. The recent framework agreement is a significant move by the Government of India to accept the uniqueness of Naga history and tradition. Also, it is a unique decision on the part of the NSCN (IM) to give up the path of violence and accept dialogue as a framework of conflict resolution. As far as integration of Naga inhabited areas is concerned, the framework resolution, as far as one can tell, will not result in any territorial division.

For more on this issue, please refer to my following publications:
Namrata Goswami, “The Naga Peace Accord: Why Now?”, IDSA Comment, August 07, 2015.

Namrata Goswami, “Nagaland: A Long Road to Peace”, The Hindu, August 06, 2015.

Posted on September 24, 2015