Roadblocks in the Naga Peace Talks: A Persistent Demand for Sovereignty

The Centre’s emissary, A K Mishra, held confidential talks with the NSCN(IM) in Chumoukedima, addressing the impasse over the Naga peace process. Despite a ceasefire in 1997 and the Framework Agreement in 2015, the demand for a separate flag and constitution continues to stall progress.

The Centre’s emissary for Naga talks, A K Mishra, engaged in closed-door discussions with the NSCN(IM) leadership in Chumoukedima on Friday, according to sources.

Mishra, acting as the Advisor for Northeast with the Ministry of Home Affairs, met with the NSCN(IM) leaders for about an hour. The specifics of the meeting remain undisclosed. The emissary, alongside the Intelligence Bureau's Joint Director, conducted multiple meetings with various Naga political factions over his two-day stay in Dimapur before departing for Delhi.

Notably, the Centre and NSCN-IM reached a ceasefire in 1997, which paved the way for ongoing negotiations. The 2015 Framework Agreement provided hope, yet the contentious demands of a separate flag and constitution for Nagas hinder progress. Parallel talks with the WC NNPGs began in 2017, leading to the Agreed Position. While the WC NNPGs show willingness to resolve outstanding issues, the NSCN-IM remains firm that any solution must include their demands for sovereignty.