Muivah reaffirms sovereignty stand, warns Delhi against betraying Framework Agreement

DIMAPUR — Thuingaleng Muivah, the chief political negotiator and Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (IM), reaffirmed his group’s unwavering stand on Naga sovereignty during a historic address at his birthplace, Somdal, in Ukhrul district on Wednesday.

He declared that the Naga national flag and constitution were “non-negotiable” and warned that any attempt by the government of India to “dilute or distort” the spirit of the 2015 Framework Agreement would be seen as a betrayal.

Addressing thousands gathered at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground, Muivah traced the Naga political struggle from its inception in 1947 through decades of conflict, ceasefire, and negotiations.

He underscored that the Indo-Naga political talks, initiated in 1997, were conducted between “two sovereign entities” and must culminate in an “honourable and acceptable settlement outside the Indian Constitution.”

Muivah credited past agreements such as the 2002 Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the 2015 Framework Agreement as historic milestones acknowledging Nagalim’s unique history and sovereignty.

Also read: Global Naga Forum welcomes Th. Muivah’s visit to Somdal after 52 years

Expressing deep mistrust of New Delhi’s recent approach, he accused the Indian government of “violating the spirit” of these accords by refusing to recognise the Naga national symbols—flag and constitution.

In a charged appeal, the veteran leader urged all Nagas to unite under the NSCN’s founding principles and resist internal divisions allegedly fuelled by “Delhi’s divide-and-rule stratagem.”

He reiterated, “Whether today or tomorrow, the Naga national flag and constitution shall remain non-negotiable.”

The 91-year-old revolutionary ended his address with a prayer, proclaiming that Nagalim’s freedom is “a God-given destiny” that must be defended “to the last, come what may.”

Read more: Muivah questions Modi’s commitment to Framework Agreement

Meanwhile, PTI reported that the NSCN (IM) leader arrived at his native village Somdal after more than 50 years. A helicopter carrying the 91-year-old Naga leader landed at the Bakshi ground in the Ukhrul district headquarters.

“Thousands of Naga women in traditional attire and men holding spears and wearing headgears turned up at the Ukhrul district headquarters to welcome Muivah,” the report stated.

Muivah, who has been the principal negotiator in the Naga peace talks with the Centre since the NSCN (IM) entered into a ceasefire in 1997, is likely to stay in Somdal village for a week before departing for Dimapur, an official said.

His visit comes at a time when Manipur continues to be battered by ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023, which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands, the report added.

A local, A Horam, who was among those welcoming Muivah, told PTI, “It is an emotional moment for all Nagas and for me. We grew up listening to his story. He is a legend.”

Several senior NSCN (IM) leaders also arrived in the Tangkhul Naga-majority district. Hoardings and wall paintings of Naga leaders were put up across Ukhrul town, while locals carried out a cleanliness drive ahead of his visit. A helipad was constructed at Somdal for the occasion.

According to reports, the Naga leader will stay for a week at Somdal before leaving for Dimapur via Manipur’s Senapati district on October 29.