The leader of the Naga Nationalist movement, Thuingaleng Muivah, has returned to his home district in Manipur after a half‑century‑long absence to intensify talks with the Indian government. His visit to Somdal village in Ukhrul district marks a historic moment for the Naga community, who have long sought recognition of their flag, constitution and unique history.
Muivah, who heads the NSCN‑IM faction, reiterated that the Naga national flag and a separate constitution are non‑negotiable. He said, “We will only accept a deal that follows the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the 2015 Framework Agreement, which confirms Nagalim’s sovereignty, its flag, and its constitution.” These documents, signed in 2002 and 2015, form the legal basis on which the Naga people demand a lasting settlement.
The Indian government signed a ceasefire with the NSCN‑IM in 1997 and later the Framework Agreement in August 2015. Since then, the government has held ongoing negotiations with Naga groups, including the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), which won an Agreed Position in 2017. However, the NSCN‑IM insists that the government must uphold the letter and spirit of those agreements. In Muivah’s message, he accused the Centre of losing its political will and of “betraying” the Naga people through “divide‑and‑rule” tactics.
The reception in Ukhrul was grand. Thousands of Naga men, women and children—many wearing traditional attire—clad in NSCN‑IM flags and holding spears, greeted Muivah’s landing. He thanked the international community for its support and urged all Naga men and women “not to waver” in their cause. He warned that anyone who betrays the Naga flag or constitution would be seen as a traitor.
The NSCN‑IM continues to press for a united Nagalim that would include Naga areas across four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland—and parts of Myanmar. The Indian government has consistently rejected these demands, claiming they conflict with the constitution.
Muivah will stay in Ukhrul for about a week, delivering speeches at a stage set up to honor him. He remains the key negotiator in the Naga peace talks, and his return could spark a new phase of dialogue. For now, both sides await a breakthrough that respects the flag, constitution, and sovereignty of Nagalim.
Source: ianslive
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