Naga Political Groups Urge Unity Amidst Historical Challenges

The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups has called for a balance between historical and contemporary realities in Naga politics. They caution against emotional rhetoric and emphasize the importance of unity among tribal organizations. The group reflects on past negotiations and the need for clarity in the political future of the Naga people, especially as educated youth enter a competitive world. With ongoing discussions and differing demands from factions, the WC-NNPGs stress the urgency of finding a workable solution for the Naga community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 13:25 IST

Naga National Political Groups Address Current Challenges

Dimapur, Dec 3: The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) has emphasized the need for historical realities to align with present-day circumstances. They have warned prominent Naga tribal organizations against what they describe as "selective amnesia" during this pivotal moment in Naga history.

In a comprehensive statement, the WC-NNPGs cautioned against using "emotional rhetoric" at a time when many educated Naga youths are entering a competitive global landscape. They asserted that it is not the appropriate moment to lecture the Naga community on their history, acknowledging that complete Naga integration is currently unfeasible.

The group reiterated the fundamental principle of the 2017 agreement, stating that the Naga people's right to shape their future must be considered alongside current political realities.

Comprising seven Naga factions, the WC-NNPGs noted that numerous tribal organizations had actively engaged in extensive discussions from 2016 to 2019, issuing joint statements as significant participants in the Naga political dialogue.

They highlighted that the Agreed Position, signed between the NNPGs and the Central Government on November 17, 2017, was the result of years of consultations with tribal groups, churches, prayer organizations, and village leaders, describing it as a "refined political thought process".

The group recalled that the Central Government invited the NNPGs for formal negotiations in October 2017, during which the Naga delegation adopted a "calm and practical" approach.

All agreed-upon points were formally documented and exchanged between both parties to ensure transparency and prevent historical inaccuracies.

Additionally, the WC-NNPGs criticized the breakdown in communication that occurred following the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Central Government and NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015. They alleged that NSCN (IM) severed all communication with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, tribal organizations, and civil society, leaving the Naga people uncertain about their political future.

Since the ceasefire agreement in 1997 and over 80 rounds of discussions, the Central Government signed the Framework Agreement with NSCN-IM in 2015. Concurrent discussions with the WC-NNPGs resulted in the signing of the Agreed Position on November 17, 2017.

The Central Government announced that the Naga talks with both factions concluded in October 2019. While the NNPGs have shown readiness to accept a "workable" solution and continue negotiations, the NSCN-IM has maintained its demands for a separate flag, constitution, and the integration of all Naga-inhabited regions, which the Central Government has rejected.