Senapati, Manipur / New Delhi – Senior NSCN-IM leader V.S. Atem has issued a strong call for urgency in resolving the long-standing Naga political issue, warning that patience among the Naga people is wearing thin after nearly three decades of ceasefire and stalled negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with ThePrint in late October 2025, Atem — Deputy Ato Kilonser (Deputy Prime Minister) of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) faction and a veteran close to chief Thuingaleng Muivah — emphasised that the Indian government must act decisively to honour the spirit of the 2015 Framework Agreement.
“The sooner the Indian government settles the Naga political problem, the better,” Atem stated. “At the rate the peace talks have dragged on, many Nagas would run out of patience.” He added that failure to abide by the letter and spirit of the agreement could lead to serious implications.
Core Demands Remain Unmet
The NSCN-IM continues to insist on a comprehensive political settlement that recognises the “uniqueness of Naga history.” Key non-negotiable elements include a separate Naga flag and constitution, along with the broader vision of integrating Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Atem asserted that Nagas were never politically part of the Indian Union and have maintained their sovereignty. “If the Government of India has recognised that the Nagas are sovereign people, then why should it have difficulty in recognising our sovereign flag and constitution?” he asked.
He rejected suggestions of a complete deadlock but placed the blame squarely on New Delhi for delays, creating divisions among Naga groups, and offering solutions that fall short of the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015. “India’s delay is creating more problems, not solving them,” the leader noted in related interviews.
Decades of Negotiations
The Indo-Naga peace process is one of India’s oldest and most complex. A ceasefire has been in place since 1997, yet a final accord remains elusive. While other Naga groups under the Working Committee of NNPGs have signed an “Agreed Position,” the NSCN-IM maintains its position on flag, constitution, and territorial integration.
Atem highlighted that Nagas entered talks in good faith but accused the Centre of working to keep factions divided. He also touched on sensitive issues such as the proposed fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border and the suspension of the Free Movement Regime, which many Nagas oppose.
Call for Mutual Peace
Despite the firm stance, Atem conveyed a readiness for peace. “If India wants to live in peace with Nagas, then we are ready,” he said, stressing that a solution is possible only when both sides extend a hand in sincerity.
Civil society groups in Nagaland and Naga-inhabited areas continue to urge an early, honourable resolution to end parallel governance, extortion concerns, and pave the way for development and normalcy in the region.
As of May 2026, the Naga peace talks remain in a state of uncertainty. The coming months could prove critical in determining whether the prolonged negotiations finally yield a breakthrough or risk renewed frustration on the ground.
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