Decoding the Framework Agreement: Diplomatic and Political Dimensions of Its Core Principles and Implications

The Framework Agreement (FA) of August 3, 2015, represents a watershed moment in Naga political history, superseding all previous accords. This landmark achievement has the potential to secure Naga political rights through political, diplomatic, and democratic processes. The FA was not a mere coincidence; it was the result of deliberate and strategic efforts, culminating from years of painstaking negotiations and planning by the NSCN-IM, which adeptly combined indigenous wisdom with international expertise. To bolster their negotiating position, the NSCN-IM sought guidance from foreign legal experts, diplomats, and political strategists, enabling them to navigate the strategies of India’s negotiators effectively and successfully forge a politically astute agreement with the Government of India (GoI).

The precision in the FA’s Preamble reflects the exhaustive efforts of the NSCN-IM leadership, who drew on years of engagement with Indian diplomats. This prolonged and often contentious dialogue provided them with a strategic advantage, enabling the embedding of crucial political and legal safeguards into the Preamble, which serves as the foundation of the entire Agreement. Each term and clause was meticulously chosen to ensure the FA encapsulates Naga aspirations while serving as a diplomatic stronghold – resistant to reinterpretation and designed to protect Naga political goals. By incorporating these critical safeguards, the Preamble establishes a foundation for enduring autonomy, highlighting the importance of precise language in effective political agreements.

To grasp the profound significance and political ramifications embedded within the Preamble of the Framework Agreement (FA), a thorough examination and interpretation of its core tenets through the lens of political discourse is essential. Let us decode some key points of the FA:

1.Recognition of the Historic Depth of the Indo-Naga Conflict

The Framework Agreement begins with the acknowledgment that “the political conflict is about six decades old.” This statement reflects India’s recognition of the Naga struggle as a longstanding and legitimate issue, not merely an administrative or regional grievance. By defining the Indo-Naga conflict as political, the Agreement affirms the authenticity of the Naga pursuit of self-determination and validates the concept of Naga nationhood. This historic recognition lays a moral and political foundation for Naga autonomy, signaling India’s willingness to treat this as a question of rights, identity, and heritage.

2.Establishing Mutual Respect for Distinct Political Systems

The FA emphasises “better mutual understanding” between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM, including respect for each side’s unique historical experiences and governance structures. This recognition is more than a diplomatic courtesy; it symbolises the recognition of the Naga people as a distinct political entity. By moving beyond cultural acknowledgment to recognise the political dimensions of the Naga struggle, the FA frames the Naga issue as a matter of sovereignty and nationhood rather than mere integration. This provision underscores the commitment to forging an equal dialogue between two distinct political systems.

3.Affirmation of Naga Identity and Nationhood

The FA references the “unique history and position of the Nagas,” marking an unprecedented acceptance of the Nagas as a separate entity within the Indian subcontinent. For the Naga people, this is a momentous affirmation of their historical and political identity, rooted in their distinct heritage and cultural lineage. This provision elevates the Naga struggle from a regional concern to one of nationhood and self-determination, providing a foundation for equal negotiations. It validates the Naga assertion of a distinct political existence and strengthens their claim to autonomous governance.

4.Vision of a New Relationship Between India and the Naga People

By envisioning “a new relationship” between India and the Naga people, the FA redefines the relationship in a way that moves beyond traditional integration models. This envisioned relationship proposes Nagalim as an autonomous entity, coexisting with India in a partnership of mutual respect. It sets the stage for a federal arrangement rooted in equality rather than assimilation, establishing a framework that seeks to balance autonomy and cooperation. This redefined relationship aspires to foster a partnership grounded in parity, offering a dignified coexistence within a shared federal structure.

5.People-Centred Sovereignty as the Cornerstone of Governance

The statement “sovereignty lies with the people” is a fundamental principle within the FA, reflecting the belief that true authority rests with the Naga people themselves. This principle serves as the foundation for Naga self-governance, reinforcing the legitimacy of their aspiration for an autonomous governance structure. By enshrining the concept of popular sovereignty, the FA underscores that the Naga political journey is rooted in the will of the people, affirming the democratic aspirations at the heart of their quest for self-determination.

6.Shared Sovereignty Through Clearly Defined Competencies

The Agreement’s reference to “sharing the sovereign power as defined in the competencies” outlines a model in which Nagalim retains specific autonomous rights within a federal framework with India. This arrangement fosters a cooperative sovereignty that respects Naga distinctiveness while avoiding full integration. Such a model encourages collaboration, recognising the benefits of peaceful coexistence while respecting the autonomy of each entity. This provision provides a roadmap for a symbiotic relationship, where both parties can co-govern through defined areas of jurisdiction and mutual respect.

7.Commitment to Inclusive and Enduring Peace

The FA’s commitment to an “inclusive new relationship” highlights the importance of unity among all Naga factions and the need to respect diverse perspectives within Naga society. By promoting an inclusive approach, the Agreement paves the way for sustainable peace, empowering the Naga people to work toward a collective future. This inclusivity is vital for long-term stability, ensuring that the peace process honours the voices of all segments within Nagalim and fosters solidarity both within Naga society and with India.

8.An Immediate and Detailed Execution Plan

The FA concludes with a commitment to “work out and implement the execution plan shortly,” demonstrating the NSCN-IM leadership’s dedication to transforming Naga aspirations into actionable reality. This assurance of a defined timeline for implementation signifies a shift from rhetoric to action, providing a concrete path forward to realise the vision of Naga autonomy. It conveys an intent to transition from promises to results, establishing a foundation for progressive, step-by-step advancements toward a self-governing Nagalim.

In essence, the Framework Agreement represents a monumental achievement, articulating a profound acknowledgment of Naga nationhood and offering a pathway toward self-governance within a unique federal arrangement. By embedding principles of mutual respect, shared sovereignty, and inclusivity, the FA sets a visionary foundation aligned with Naga aspirations for self-determination. It charts a course for autonomy that allows the Naga people to engage in a dignified and equal partnership with India, grounded in mutual respect for each nation’s unique identity and heritage. This Agreement stands as a testament to the resilience and legitimacy of the Naga struggle, offering a strategic and structured framework for lasting peace and coexistence.

The Government of India (GoI) initially underestimated the profound political implications of the Framework Agreement (FA), a strategic oversight that later undermined its position. As the FA’s potential impact became clear, the Nagas should have grasped the situation. Mr. RN Ravi, the GoI’s interlocutor, attempted to reinterpret the agreement, using linguistic adjustments to dilute its context and core principles. Yet, the FA already embedded precise language and terms, particularly “New Relationship,” which superseded all the previous accords, resisted such manoeuvres, emphasising the document’s diplomatic resilience and political weight.

The term “New Relationship” carries tremendous importance, signifying the vision of peaceful coexistence between the Nagas and India as distinct entities with shared sovereignty in specific areas, such as defense at international borders and currency. The removal of the word “New” in this phrase was not a simple oversight but a calculated attempt by the GoI to diminish the FA’s transformative essence. This deliberate alteration and dissemination of modified FA versions highlight the document’s power and the extent to which India sought to mitigate its implications. The FA thus stands not only as a historic agreement but as a statement of potential realignment in Indo-Naga relations.

Following the signing of the FA, GoI’s decision to pursue parallel negotiations with the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), resulting in the rapid formulation and signing of the Agreed Position (AP) , revealed a deliberate intent to undermine the unity that the FA sought to foster among Naga factions. While the NNPGs’ objectives may be constructive, the GoI’s intentions appeared more tactical. Hastily constructed, the AP lacked the depth and regard warranted by a political movement spanning more than a century, instead serving as a tool to fragment Naga solidarity and diminish the FA’s political significance. This manoeuvre signals the GoI’s reluctance to fully engage with the transformative implications of the FA, preferring instead to delay or dilute its objectives.

The subsequent transfer of RN Ravi to Nagaland, where he assumed dual roles as Governor and Interlocutor, further highlighted the GoI’s calculated attempts to downplay the FA’s significance. Through these coordinated actions, the GoI revealed a containment-driven approach aimed at limiting the FA’s transformative impact on Indo-Naga political relations. This marked a distinct departure from the commitments originally established in the Framework Agreement, which was intended to pave the way for a new relationship – a federal arrangement model rooted in mutual respect and shared sovereignty.

At this critical juncture, it is imperative that the Naga community recognises and deeply reflects on the significance of the FA, not only for its symbolic value but as an unprecedented document representing Naga aspirations for self-determination and political acknowledgment. The FA’s strength lies in its clear terms and transformative potential – a fact underscored by the GoI’s ethically questionable and diplomatically dubious attempts to undermine it. Failure to grasp this message would reveal a lack of common sense and critical understanding among the Nagas, missing the urgency and weight of the FA’s implications for the Naga future.

The FA is indeed a testament to divine intervention for the Naga people. Isak Chishi Swu’s signing of the FA, despite his severe health condition, stands as a miracle and a powerful symbol of commitment to the Naga cause, marking a historic moment with deep spiritual significance. By signing the FA, the GoI inadvertently validated the strength of the Naga pursuit for autonomy; its subsequent attempts to undermine the agreement reveal the pressure the FA places on India’s approach. RN Ravi’s mission to diminish the FA’s influence is ultimately a recognition of its power; yet, the document endures as a symbol of victory and divine endorsement of the Nagas’ rightful aspirations.

Ultimately, while the NSCN and GPRN strategically and with foresight etched the Framework Agreement (FA) as a landmark political document with the Government of India (GoI) through years of challenging Indo-Naga negotiations, several critical areas were overlooked, particularly on the domestic and international fronts. Perhaps the FA was signed prematurely, lacking the essential prerequisites and the foundational groundwork to fully ensure its strength at the negotiating table. The prolonged and strenuous negotiations may have pushed for an expedited signing, bypassing critical staging. The Naga general public, meanwhile, held back necessary support due to suspicion, skepticism, and internal divisions, leaving the FA underappreciated in its true potential.

Nevertheless, this moment remains ripe for action. The FA is an indelible document that can still shape our political journey and aspirations, provided we rise to its promise with unity and determination. Signed on August 3, 2015, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the watchful eyes of the world, this pivotal document stands as a testament to Naga resilience and our unwavering pursuit of self-determination. Prime Minister Modi’s declaration on that occasion, “We are beginning a new journey, one of dignity, prosperity, and lasting peace,” underscored a shared vision rooted in dignity and respect for Naga aspirations. Yet today, as the Government of India appears to be retracting its commitment, it is imperative for both Naga leaders and the broader community to recognise and steadfastly defend the FA’s underlying principles as essential to our collective future.

The FA holds more than symbolic value; it envisions autonomy and dignity rooted in Naga identity. It now falls on every concerned Naga to renew their dedication to the FA, not only as a matter of historical pride but as a living, active mandate. Our leaders, including the NSCN-IM, other political factions, and the wider Naga community, must now reflect deeply, comprehend fully, and act decisively. Unity in this pursuit is not merely preferable but essential if we are to challenge the GoI’s attempts to dilute or reinterpret the FA.

Let us, the Naga people, move forward with clarity, unity, and a firm commitment to our collective rights. Only through this concerted action can we assert our rightful place in the political landscape, urging India to uphold its promises and recognise the political and historical significance of the Naga people. The FA is a foundational document – one that has the potential to anchor our quest for self-determination and serve as our greatest asset.

This is our moment to claim our future. Let us seize it with unwavering dedication, ensuring that the dignity of the Naga people is not only acknowledged but steadfastly protected, for ourselves and for the generations yet to come.

Kuknalim!

Markson V Luikham

New Delhi, India

The author is an independent writer and researcher specialising in Indo-Naga political issues. He can be contacted at marksonaga@gmail.com. The perspectives articulated in this work reflect the author’s analytical insights into the trajectories of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue.