NSCN Reaffirms Framework Agreement as Sole Basis for Indo-Naga Political Solution

Chairman Q. Tuccu marks 11th anniversary of historic accord, alleges delay in final settlement and calls for Naga unity

Hebron, Aug. 3: Marking the 11th anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) Chairman Q. Tuccu on Monday reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering commitment to the August 3, 2015 accord, describing it as the only legitimate basis for a final and honourable resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue.

Addressing the commemoration programme at the NSCN Headquarters in Hebron, Tuccu paid tribute to late leaders Isak Chishi Swu, Gen. (Retd.) Kholi, Khodao Yanthan, Brig. Thungbo and other martyrs of the Naga national movement, while acknowledging the leadership of NSCN General Secretary Th. Muivah for bringing the Naga political issue to the Prime Ministerial level, culminating in the signing of the historic Framework Agreement in New Delhi on August 3, 2015.

Stating that a decade has passed since the agreement was signed, Tuccu asserted that the Framework Agreement recognises the “unique history of Naga independence” and provides the foundation for a new relationship between the Nagas and the Government of India. He maintained that the agreement also acknowledges the Naga national entity and affirms principles concerning sovereignty, land ownership and the aspiration for the integration of all Naga areas.
The NSCN Chairman alleged that the Framework Agreement has faced deliberate delays in its finalisation and expressed concern that the Government of India was attempting to reinterpret the accord according to its own interests. He further claimed that misinformation and propaganda were being spread to create confusion among the Naga people regarding the contents and significance of the agreement.

Reiterating NSCN’s stand, Tuccu said the organisation would not compromise on what it described as the recognised issues of Naga sovereignty, national identity, territorial rights and integration. He warned that any attempt to pursue a political settlement outside the Framework Agreement would be unacceptable and termed such efforts a betrayal of the mutual understanding reached between the two sides.

Calling for unity among the Naga people, Tuccu urged NSCN cadres, Naga Political Groups and the public to remain steadfast in defending what he described as the hard-earned achievements of the Naga political movement. He also appealed to the people not to be divided by internal conflicts or external influences, while expressing hope that unresolved issues, including the Naga flag and constitution, would ultimately be settled through bilateral negotiations.

In his concluding remarks, Tuccu alleged that certain policies of the Government of India continued to delay a final settlement and accused it of attempting to derail the peace process. He appealed to all Nagas to remain united in safeguarding the Framework Agreement, which he described as having been achieved through decades of sacrifice, and concluded his address by invoking God’s guidance for the Naga people and the ongoing political journey.