Naga peace accord

News:The government has said that the Naga peace accord which was signed in 2015 is in the process of conclusion.

Facts:

About Naga Peace Accord:

• The Naga Peace accord was signed in 2015 between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland(Isak-Muivah).
• The content of the agreement has not been disclosed but it contains the broad principles that would guide the future deliberations between the Government of India and NSCN(IM).
• The agreement recognises the uniqueness of Naga history and culture by the Indian Government.

Rise of Naga nationalism

• The British had annexed Assam in 1826, in which they subsequently created the Naga Hills district and went on to extend its boundaries.
• The assertion of Naga nationalism, which began during British rule, has continued after Independence, and even after Nagaland became a state.
• Along the way, the unresolved issues gave rise to decades of insurgency that claimed thousands of lives, including of civilians

About NSCN(IM):

• The NSCN-IM is an insurgent group of Nagas operating in Nagaland, Assam,Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Its objective is to establish Greater Nagaland (Nagalim) consisting of all Naga inhabited areas in Northeast India
• NSCN-IM has also demanded a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.

What is the Government’s stand?

• The Centre has ruled out any disintegration of the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur in order to merge the Naga-inhabited areas with the existing State of Nagaland.
• The Central government has also ruled out a separate flag and Constitution for the Nagas.

Way forward:

• The Naga peace accord must safeguard the Naga’s rights.But the NSCN(IM) must also be pragmatic and realistic in their negotiations with Government of India. 
• There is scope for regional autonomy as per the Indian constitution.But there is no scope for secessionism.
• Hence,the unresolved contentious issues must be pursued earnestly post a peace settlement politically and democratically.