The NSCN(IM), a prominent Naga separatist group, has reiterated that the Naga national flag and its constitution are non-negotiable. The group also stated that any agreements signed by the central government with other Naga factions are not recognized.
The statement came during a programme in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, marking the return of the NSCN(IM) general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, to his birthplace, Somdal village. Veteran NSCN(IM) leader VS Atem conveyed Muivah’s message, highlighting his six-decade-long journey with the movement, which began in 1964. Atem acknowledged the support of the Indian government as well as the Nagaland and Manipur administrations for facilitating Muivah’s visit.
The NSCN(IM) leader also recalled the history of the group, noting the formation of the NSCN and the subsequent Indo-Naga ceasefire and peace process in August 1997. Since then, more than 70 rounds of talks have taken place between the central government and the outfit. The two sides signed a Framework Agreement in 2015, but NSCN(IM)’s demand for a separate flag and constitution has remained unresolved, prolonging negotiations.
Parallel talks with the WC NNPGs, a coalition of seven Naga groups, began in 2017 and resulted in an Agreed Position. While the WC NNPGs have expressed readiness to accept feasible solutions, NSCN(IM) has maintained it will not compromise on its core demands.
Muivah is scheduled to stay in Somdal for a week before returning to Dimapur via Senapati district on October 29. His visit is seen as a symbolic moment for the Naga movement and underscores the ongoing complexities in the Indo-Naga political dialogue.
The political dialogue continues to be guided by principles of unconditional discussions, high-level engagement, and third-country facilitation, reflecting decades of negotiations in the pursuit of a lasting solution.
