The Big Picture: Naga Talks - Issues & Way Forward

With the next round of peace talks to end the protracted Naga political problem scheduled for October 31, the Nagaland and Manipur governments have taken steps to meet any eventuality and have put their respective police forces on "high alert". Officials said in Kohima the Nagaland government has directed all deputy commissioners of the districts and administrative officers to remain in their place of posting and within their jurisdiction till further orders. In neighbouring Manipur, where Nagas have a sizeable presence, security forces in the state have been put on high alert and a large number of security forces, including women personnel have been deployed at important areas to thwart any "unwanted activities”. The crucial round of talks on October 24 to find a lasting solution to the seven-decade-old Naga insurgency problem has remained inconclusive. Naga tribal organizations, civil societies and political groups have been saying that any agreement on the Naga issue should be "inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all sections of the people". On this edition of The Big Picture we analyse the history of the Naga issue, the problems and way forward.

Guests - Sandeep Phukan, Deputy Editor, The Hindu,
Joyeeta Bhattacharjee, Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation,
Gautam Sen, Former Advisor, Government of Nagaland,
Shekhar Iyer, Senior Journalist,

Anchor - Frank Rausan Pereira

[alishaabraham]

It is sad to see that there are no nagas on the platform when they themselves are being discussed.

[danswrangbrahma]

People of Nagaland may lost but Naga history haven't lost till today.
We should think carefully and give their on stock. Let them enjoy their on life of freedom. Love Nagaland from Haryana.

[premchopra]

Non of them mentioned the fact that Naga territory was never under any Indian ruler from time immemorial. That it was the British who governed about half of the Naga land. And when India got it's independence from the British, Nagas also declared to the world that they would go back to being the free peoole that they were. But India sent armed forces and massacred lakhs of innocent Nagas which started the whole armed movement of the Nagas. So the same as India fought for Independence from the British, Nagas are also fighting for their freedom. Nagas were never the aggressors, it was India. And India need to acknowledge this fact instead of saying things like sovereignty is out of the question. What if the British also said sovereignty of India was out of the question? Indian leaders and media needs to be honest and humble.

Let's not forget that India is the occupational force and the aggressors. Nagas never attacked any Indian state or threatened India in any manner. If we cherish our Bharat, let them also have their freedom!

[jsjdhhd]

How are you discussing Naga issues without including any of their real representation.
Here is the problem with us.
West decides for East and East decides for West.

[musicheals.]

Dear brothers and sisters, I myself a Naga here. Let's not be misunderstand about this issue. By fighting to have separate flag and constitution or separate government doesn't meant that we hate India. We love India but there is a big reason behind why we are doing this for. We don't have any history about being under the rules of different tribes or countries Since time immemorial. We've been a sovereign people. Now we are under Indian govt. coz of force occupation. So now we are having a peace talk so that we can govern by ourself. Hope you will support us to Achieve it .
Just briefing about the issue in a simple way.
Thanks for reading. Good day.

[Fzk]

We stand for Manipur...
Long live Manipur

[shashiketan]

*114. NAGA ISSUE*
• Demand for separate nation started with the formation of Naga National council – Insurgency
• Naga people want to protect their dignity & their uniqueness in culture, language.
• Demand for greater Nagalim in 1960’s – 1980’s
• Cyclic process of violence & dialogue. In 2015, framework agreement was signed between GoI & NSCN-IM
• Naga Constitution & flag is non-negotiable by their groups.

Challenges & Realities
• Multiple stakeholders spread across different states – different political groups, youth, Churches, civil societies.
• Special status of Kashmir taken away: Separate constitution is out of question
• Redrawing of boundaries is not possible & Nagas understand that.

Way Forward:
• Democratic perspective: include all stakeholders & political groups.
• Integrating the Naga society.
• autonomous governing council which can be beyond boundaries
• Role of church could be more definitive: Naga mother’s association role has been positive.
• Just like Mizoram National front – Naga groups should be included in the political process

Any solution should be inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all sections of the people

[nishita]

Although I agree that integrity is necessary, but it is sad that this discussion is for Naga but no participants from Naga, we should also look for their point of view 😐

[mentiaier]

So an Indian has better understanding and in-depth knowledge about the Naga issue? Why aren’t there any Naga intellectuals on the panel?

[lungan]

Have you guys forgotten about what MAHATMA GHANDHI says "Nagas have every right to be independent “. Will India just leave us alone.

[dilung]

They should’ve included some naga intellectuals in the discussion so that others would be able to understand the issue in depth.

[thakuranuraganand]

Pointless discussion without Naga representatives in the debate. This is really distasteful.

[johnchinirmoyon]

Nagas are not asking or requesting India to give freedom but to respect the dignity and sovereignty of Nagas, remember Nagas are not Indian. Forcefully occupied by Indian military force.

[jamesesper]

Thanks you Frank Rausan we need more of the this kind of respectful, issues- base conversation between people from different intellectual.

[Kidsfriendly-]

May our Almighty God protect our Naga brothers and sisters from any harm and danger.
Kuknalim.

[therealcdert]

People of manipur want to know the truth real naga history and exact land boundaries of nagaland Indian shame for supporting insurgency groups

[Kangshou_Chang]

Just like you are discussing about Nagas without any Naga, India took decision to include nagas with India and some went to Burma without our consent 70+ years back.

[joshualons]

Naga nationalism movement started way back in the year 1918.
The Naga Club submitted memorandum to Simon' Club in demand of creating separate Naga-land.

But the devil designed attitude of Nehru had made Naga's suffer till today.

Nehru must be in hell

[indiafirst.]

I respect Naga culture, History but, We are all one.

[somenningthoujam]

We are not jealous and also accept to stay in peace (people of nagaland)...but we didn't accept for taking piece of other neighbouring state in the name of nagas peace talk.... And why do you need other state piece? We also want to stay in our We also love your history but in the name of that don't try to take advantages...