WC-NNPGs reflect on Agreed Position, outline key aspects

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30 (MExN): On the fifth year of the successful completion of the Indo-Naga Peace talks, the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) extended warm wishes to the entire fraternity of the Naga people.

In a statement, the WC-NNPGs noted that, while entering into the dialogue process, the Government of India was still under the influence of prior negotiations and agreements made with NSCN (IM), which were never disclosed. The GoI seemed primarily interested in listening to their demands to close the chapter as a foregone conclusion. However, as the proceedings began, the Government of India’s calculations went off track. The gravity and in-depth analysis of the political conflict created a new dimension and impetus for the peace talks.

Preliminary rounds of negotiations led to a standing agreement on November 17, 2017, which acknowledged both entities' commitment to the people, political considerations, and governing principles for a negotiated political solution. The agreement states: “The Government of India recognizes the historical and political rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity. The two entities have agreed to work out the details of a relationship that is honorable, enduring, and inclusive, with due regard to contemporary political realities.”

The Working Committee stated that the Agreed Position has the status of an intergovernmental agreement, as the Working Committee has signed with the designation of the head of Federal Governments and the Interlocutor, RN Ravi, holding a Cabinet rank in the Government of India. This political solution clearly separates the powers of legislation between the Government of India and the Nagas. 

As per the Agreed Position, the legislative system for Nagaland is demarcated as a separate geopolitical entity for the 17 Naga tribes, featuring a bicameral legislature with the existing democratic system renamed as Leacy Hoho. The Upper House will be known as the Nagaland Federal Hoho, representing the Naga traditional customary system, thus empowering the Nagas to legislate on subjects related to Naga customs, practices, land, and all its natural resources in their own ways. These legislative fields will be vacated by the Parliament of India. The Naga National Insignia, along with the flag, will symbolize the Naga Federal system.

The political solution fully recognizes Naga identity, including a separate page in Indian passports and a dedicated contingent of Nagas in all international events. Nagas will have a position in all national and international bodies of the GoI and enhanced representation in both Houses of Parliament. The strength of the Leacy Hoho will increase from the existing 60 to 80 legislators.

The Working Committee asserted that this political solution will introduce a new fiscal management regime and economic system to address the lapses of the past 13 plan periods. With a well-devised program, backward areas will be brought to a balanced level of infrastructure and growth within a transitory period of three years. Institutional growth will focus on centers of health care, higher education, technology development, and integrated communication systems, positioning Nagaland at the forefront of the states within the first plan period after the settlement. The village system will be engineered to transform into self-sustaining, revenue-generating local self-governments, becoming major employers similar to urban townships elsewhere.

The cadres and ‘revolutionary leaders’ will have their respective space and positioning, creating a harmonious and investor-friendly business climate. 

The WC-NNPGs hoped that the Government of India will complete the signing of the agreement in 2024, so that Nagaland and the Naga areas of other states can participate in the vision for 2047 of the Prime Minister.