Open letter to the PM of India

With due respect, we would like to express our grave concern regarding the recent development on the Indo-Naga peace talks. All over the world, we are much aware of the consequences when peace negotiations break down and conflict resumes. It is, therefore, with a great sense of urgency that we appeal to you for your political wisdom.

Mr. Prime Minister, we believe that durable peace is reached only when utmost political effort, along with equal participation is made by all parties concerned. We also strongly believe that such efforts must include vigorous consultations with and participation of civil society of both India and the Nagas to generate social and political transformation and peaceful co-existence.

We have observed and acknowledge India for initiating the peace talks on one of the longest political struggles in Asia at the Prime Ministerial level without any preconditions. This demonstrates the courage and visionary leadership of India.

The negotiations have continued for the last 22 years, and we are aware that deep seated political issues require patience and determination to reach its acceptable conclusion. We believe that recognizing the unique history of the Naga people and the subsequent signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 have laid down the basis for translating the inherent rights of the Nagas into a mutually agreed upon political settlement with the Government of India. We recognize that this is a historic achievement under your leadership.

The people of India and the Naga people deeply yearn for peace.

Mr. Prime Minister, we therefore, appeal to you for your wisdom and political will; and to not withdraw from the negotiation as well as look beyond the signing of an agreement that is not grounded on political consent and will of the Naga People. We look forward to seeing the settling of the Indo-Naga political issue grounded on democratic values and principles so peace may become a reality under your leadership for the benefit of all.

Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP), Thailand
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), Denmark

Undersigned;

1. Minority Rights Group (MRG), UK
    
2. Forest Peoples’ Programme (FPP), UK
    
3. International Land Coalition (ILC), Asia
    
4. NGO-Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities (NGO-FONIN). Nepal
    
5. Kirat Youth Society, Nepal
    
6. Active Society Nepal
    
7. Indigenous Nationalities Women Youth Network (INWYN), Nepal
    
8. People Unity Young Society, Nepal
    
9. Youth Awareness Society Nepal
    
10. Kirat Chamling Language Culture Development Association, Nepal
     
11. Integrated Program for the Development of the Pygmy People (PIDP), DR Congo
     
12. Fundaciòn para la Promociòn del Conocimiento Indìgena (FPCI), Panama
     
13. Asian Indigenous Women's Network (AWIN), Phillipines
     
14. The Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Malaysia
     
15. Center for Sustainable Development in Mountainous Areas, (CSDM) Vietnam
     
16. Devasish Roy, Chakma Raja & Chief of Chakma Circle, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
     
17. Centro Juventude Covalima (CJC) Timor-Leste
     
18. Shimin Gaikou Centre (Citizens' Diplomatic Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), Japan
     
19. Four Freedoms Forum, Goshen, Indiana
     
20. International Indian Treaty Council, Tucson, Arizona
     
21. Lawyers' Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP), Nepal
     
22. Bangladesh Adivasi Forum (BAF) Bangladesh.
     
23. Unissons-nous pour la Promotion des Batwa (UNIPROBA), BURUNDI, Africa
     
24. Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Phillipines
     
25. Adivasi Navjewan Gathan Navjyoti Agua (ANGNA), India
     
26. NIPT (Network of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand), Thailand
     
27. The Borok People's Human Rights Organisation (BPHRO), India
     
28. Karbi Human Rights Watch, India
     
29. Kapaeeng Foundation, Bangladesh
     
30. Vietnam Indigenous Knowledge network – VTIK, Vietnam
     
31. National Indigenous Disabled Women Association (NIDWAN), Nepal
     
32. Zo Indigenous Forum, India
     
33. Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services, Philippines
     
34. Adivasi Women's Network, India
     
35. William Nicholas Gome, Human Rights Activist and Freelance Journalist, UK
     
36. International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), Phillipines
     
37. Incomindios (International cmCommittee for imIndigenous Peoples of the Americas), Zurich
     
38. Naga Women's Union, India
     
39. Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Nepal
     
40. Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples and Civic Diplomacy «Young Karelia», Russian Federation
41. Opensource, India
     
42. SONIA for a Just New World, Italy