'Common Platform' and 'Common Draft' :: New Hope

Nirendra Dev *

"Rain will say how fragile we are,,,," - the poetic words seem to make a lot of sense with regard to the stage the Naga peace process has entered today.

This in 2025 -- nearly 28 years after the peace process was started in 1997. Notably, this is also after nearly a decade after signing of Framework Agreement, nearly eight years after signing of the Agreed Position and six years since the announcement was made that the formal talks in Naga peace talks have ended on Oct 31, 2019.

But in 2025, there is, however, reason to be hopeful is that a Consensus is being built up in favour of early Solution to Naga issue. This is happening notwithstanding the fact that some players have already earned their reputation as being Status Quoists or even vehemently opposing this new panacea to all hurdles on Naga issue.

Let us dismiss such elements as the negative factors that have emerged from the churning. But others would give us some reasons to be optimistic. That optimism comes from the fact that 'pressure' is being built up on all stakeholders including the Govt of India that everyone should work for creating a Common Platform and also prepare a Common Draft for joint negotiations with the Naga stakeholders.

The central government has inked two preliminary pacts Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM on Aug 3, 2015 and Agreed Position with NNPG on Nov 17, 2017. The Naga peace talks between the NSCN-IM and the centre started in 1997 during the stint of I K Gujral as the Prime Minister.

The NNPGs have stated more than once that the parleys on the Naga political issue has concluded in October 2019. A statement to this effect was made by Nagaland Governor R N Ravi on the floor of the state assembly as well. The Framework Agreement of 2015 also states that the talks have concluded.

"It is a matter of great satisfaction that dialogue between the Govt of India and the NSCN (IM) has successfully concluded and we are confident it will provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful coexistence", it was stated.

However, the final peace pact has been stalled because the NSCN-IM raised the bogies of a separate Flag and Naga Constitution. Both the demands have been rejected by the centre. Integration of Naga areas is also ruled out completely notwithstanding some Naga political leaders trying to revive the issue purely for political mileage.

The NNPG said there are some emotive and sensitive issues for them too but for the cause of lasting Peace and Solution to the decades old imbroglio, they are keen to honour the spirit of the Agreed Position and sign the final peace pact at the earliest.

Of course there is a merit in the argument that all other pending matters may be taken up suitably at a later stage through proper constitutional channels. How then ‘common draft’ and ‘common platform’ herald a new beginning ?

Firstly, Nagas of Arunachal Pradesh were never so hardliners about being anti-India. This spirit of understanding and a greater sense of unity of purpose with Delhi is much appreciable. The Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh want an early signing of the peace pact and they believe this will boost the developmental works and security environment in their parts of the world.

They are against integration of their areas with Nagaland and have instead demanded a separate Council for Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts.

In Manipur; Nagas face some predicament as key leaders especially from Maos and Tangkhuls met NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and other top brass of the organisation. The Kuki-Meitei conflict has built up an extraordinary situation for Nagas too. The local community leaders in Ukhrul and Kamjong regions realise the gravity of the situation pretty well.

They have realised the futility of waiting eternally for a Naga solution sacrificing their present when integration is impossible considering the present turmoil in the State. Though often left 'confused'; the Nagas of Manipur and especially Tangkhuls are known for being pragmatic. Actually this creates room for looking at things from a different perspective.

Should Kukis and Meiteis work out some roadmaps for mutual co-existence as guided by the Union Home Ministry, the Nagas of Manipur would never like to be left abandoned. Moreover, before 2023 May; Manipur's strides for development have been unique under the political and administrative leadership of the BJP. It was certainly a case of Double Engine at work.

All communities in Manipur - Nagas, Kukis and Meiteis have garnered individual and community-based benefits. Hence, the Nagas of Manipur would not be really opposed to the concepts of Common Draft and Common Platform if it can bring a separate arrangement for them promising a better future.

If the Nagas are eyeing on a Regional council within the state of Manipur -- this is the best time to do that bargaining. Hence the mood now is - let us grab the Council at least judging the contemporary realities.

During my visit to Ukhrul in January 2025; I found people understand the finer aspects of Govt of India's stance that there cannot be two Flags and two Constitutions. There is also a realisation that the so-called Nagalim or integration is not happening at least in the immediate future.

So the best option is a Regional Council and focus should be on development and better career options for the younger generation. And these seem to be reachable targets via the route of Common Draft. Now comes the importance of Common Draft and Common Platform from the perspective of Nagaland state. Here it is near consensus spirit. Everyone is saying enough is enough.

In fact, vocal intellectuals such as Khekiye K Sema, a former IAS officer, has said in as many words that we are reaching the stage of 'last option'. This is crucial. On March 22, a bulletless transfer of power took place in a militant camp. The big picture message is Solution and Peace.

On March 20, the Naga village elders in good understanding with the Naga Hoho, anchored and hosted a good meeting of prominent individuals, former legislators and parliamentarians and also civil society leaders. The outcome makes it clear -- no further delay will be entertained (read tolerated).

Naga Hoho, the apex Naga body also changed its earlier stand and advocate for common platform and early solution based on common draft. FNR, the Church-led forum responsible for bringing down violence in Naga society has taken commitment from all stakeholders to work together on a common platform on the basis of FA and Agreed Position.

The message was so loud and clear that Status Quo club started digging out old news clippings and twitter messages wherein an attempt was made to claim that they too favour early Solution.

They also circulated old statements ruling out integration of Naga areas. Some even vouched for unity of Nagas based on the principle of ‘ my way or high way’ . In other words the pressure is very much to end the deadlock and resolve the problem -- which has reached the Solvable stage. And that Salvation is linked to these twin necessities of the time - a Common Draft and a Common Platform.

The Govt of India may not admit everything about it on the face value; but they are looking for a situation where they want to be seen responding to the public outcry. They have also time and again emphasised on one inclusive solution for all Nagas.

Mandarins will be soon forced to study hard the salient features of both the preliminary pacts - the Agreed Position and the Framework Agreement. As an old Naga church leader had said years back -- there are times when turning away is not an option.