End To Insurgency Near? Three Naga Factions Join Forces To Negotiate Longstanding Political Issues With Centre

Three Naga factions have united to jointly pursue negotiations for a resolution to the longstanding Naga political issue with the Indian government, according to a report from The Hindu.

The decision was reached during a meeting attended by leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Akato Chophy, NSCN led by Khango, and Naga National Council (NNC) led by Z Royim, all of which are splinter groups.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Akato stated, "The three groups have come together to have a joint political venture in 2024." When asked if they had approached the government with their decision to hold a dialogue, he mentioned past separate efforts but emphasised a new joint approach for the Naga issue.

Akato clarified that their dialogue would be distinct from the negotiations conducted by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) with the Centre. Noting that NNPG comprises only seven groups, Akato announced that the three groups invite like-minded organisations to join them in addressing the Naga cause.

While there is no specific nomenclature for the united groups, Akato expressed their intention to approach the Centre for political talks.

The Naga political issue, recognised as one of the country's longest-running insurgencies, has seen separate negotiations with NSCN-IM since 1997 and WC NNPGs since 2017.

Despite the acclaimed Framework Agreement in 2015 and the Agreed Position in 2017, there has been no significant progress in the political negotiations.

NSCN-IM insists on a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, as well as the integration of Naga-inhabited areas across four Indian states and Myanmar.

In contrast, WC NNPGs express willingness to accept current terms and continue talks.

The united front of the three groups adds a new dimension to the ongoing efforts for a resolution.