Zanben Ezung
Dimapur
For decades, the Naga people have waited with hope, patience, and resilience for an honourable and lasting political solution. From public consultations and peace talks to countless appeals by tribal bodies, churches, civil society organisations, and student groups, the collective voice of the Naga people has remained consistent: resolve the Indo-Naga political issue with sincerity and urgency.
The question today is simple: How many more rallies, protests, and public platforms must the Naga people organise before the Government of India acts decisively?
The recent “Fed Up Nagas” rally held in Dimapur was not just another public gathering. It was a powerful message to both the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Nagaland that public patience is rapidly running out. The uncertainty surrounding the unresolved Naga political issue continues to cast a shadow over the future of the people, especially the younger generation.
The youth organisation, Fed Up Nagas, has given the Centre a three-month deadline to implement a final Naga political settlement. It has warned that if no agreement is reached, it will launch a peaceful civil disobedience and non-cooperation movement.
Organised under the theme “Hear the Youth, Honour the Truth,” the rally culminated in the submission of a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The memorandum expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay despite two significant milestones in the peace process—the 2015 Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN-IM and the 2017 Agreed Position reached with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
The youth argued that the prolonged political uncertainty has created an environment where lawlessness, extortion, corruption, intimidation, mistrust, and social division have become persistent challenges. They urged the Government of India to immediately convene all Naga negotiating groups for a round-table meeting and conclude a comprehensive and binding political agreement based on the existing accords. They have demanded that the settlement be implemented within three months from June 27.
The significance of this rally lies not merely in the deadline it sets but in what it represents. It reflects the growing frustration of an entire generation that has inherited an unresolved conflict despite decades of negotiations. Young Nagas are increasingly questioning how long they must continue to wait while political discussions remain inconclusive.
This is no longer a matter concerning only negotiating groups or political leaders. It is a question that affects every Naga family, every student, every entrepreneur, and every citizen who longs for stability, development, and lasting peace.
Equally important is the role of the Government of Nagaland. While the primary responsibility for concluding the political settlement rests with the Government of India, the state government cannot remain a silent observer. It must actively facilitate dialogue, build consensus, and continue advocating for an early and honourable solution that reflects the aspirations of the Naga people.
The message from Dimapur is unmistakable. The people are not demanding conflict; they are demanding closure. They are not rejecting peace; they are asking for the peace process to finally reach its logical conclusion.
The Government of India has repeatedly acknowledged the uniqueness of the Naga political issue. It has also affirmed its commitment through agreements signed in 2015 and 2017. What now remains is the political will to translate those commitments into a final settlement.
If yet another public rally becomes necessary after this, it would not be because the Naga people failed to communicate their aspirations. It would be because those entrusted with resolving one of India’s longest-running political issues failed to respond to a clear and peaceful democratic appeal.
The voice of the Naga people has been heard repeatedly. The time has come for that voice to be matched with decisive action.
