Naga Framework Agreement: Tangkhul students to hold peace rally on November 8

The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), an apex Tangkhul students body, will be organising ‘One day peace rally’ on November 8 at Ukhrul district headquarter.

The rally will be organised to put pressure on the Centre to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process based on the "framework agreement" which was signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) insurgent group on August 3, 2015, and to reaffirm that the negotiation led by the collective leadership under the banner of NSCN/GPRN has the mandate of the Naga people.

TKS provides two starting point for the rally . The rally route for Ukhrul Higher Secondary School to Pettigrew College will begin from Kharasom Junction, Luiyainao Tang and the other one from St. John Bosco School; Kazipphung to Higher Themzan Academy will begin from Dungrei Junction, Hungpung.

A note provided by TKS stated that the Naga club, the first political organisation of the Nagas to address Naga aspirations was  was established in 1918 before India attained its independence.

However, despite India's independence for more than seven decades, a lasting solution to the Indo-Naga conflict is still pending. Two ceasefire agreements between India and Naga, one in 1964 and another in 1997 meant to facilitate dialogue and negotiation neither resulted in positive conclusion till now.

The Naga people continue to hope for a peaceful and just settlement to their long-standing issues.

Naga political journey has been marked by tears, sweat, blood and significant sacrifice in terms of lives and property. However, the determination to achieve Naga’s initial goals has never wavered. Notably, the negotiation process after the 2nd ceasefire resulted in a significant advancement in understanding and ultimately led to the signing of the "Framework Agreement" on August 3, 2015 by the representatives of both India and Nagas.

While the Naga people anxiously await a resolution, there are forces both internal and external, diligently working to create confusion and disunity within the Naga family. In these challenging times, it is imperative for concerned Naga individuals to unite collectively and speak in unison.

TKS stated that the moment has arrived for Nagas to demonstrate their solidarity and assert collectively to expedite the peace process to the Indo-Naga issue, based on the "Framework Agreement" which is honorable and acceptable to both the parties.

 It is also a time to reaffirm that the negotiation led by the collective leadership under the banner of NSCN/GPRN carry the unequivocal mandate of the Naga people, TKS added

The NSCN-IM had led the insurgent movement for decades before entering into a ceasefire in 1997. The Centre and NSCN-IM leaders (including Muivah) had signed the "Framework Agreement" in New Delhi on August 3, 2015 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A final agreement was to be signed based on the "Framework Agreement" but the same has remained elusive mainly due to NSCN-IM's insistence on "integration" of all Naga inhabited areas (Nagaland and parts of Manipur and Assam) and a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.

The Centre rejected the offer but agreed to allow the Naga groups to use their flag during cultural events only. Manipur and Assam had also opposed the NSCN-IM's demand