Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland (CNFN) demands time-bound Naga solution, urges Centre to implement agreements, end delays and bring clarity to prolonged issue.
Share
-1774452389936.png&w=1200&q=75)
DIMAPUR — The Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland (CNFN) on Wednesday called for a time-bound resolution to the Naga political issue, urging government of India to implement the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position, while appealing to all stakeholders to end blame games and focus on a solution.
Addressing a press conference at Aiko Green in Dimapur, Dr. SC Jamir, chairman of the advisory council of CNFN, said that the prolonged delay has led to “terrible confusion” and a situation where no single group can be held solely responsible.
The press conference came two days after the forum issued a statement reiterating its demand for the same. “We are embroiled in a terrible mess, terrible confusion...Time has come to tell the truth to the people and to the government of India,” Jamir said.
He also stressed that the agreements were made within the framework of the Indian Constitution and said that it would not be possible for any prime minister to go beyond it. Calling on the state government to act, he said that the youth were bearing the brunt of the delay.
WATCH MORE:
HK Khulu, convenor of CNFN core committee, urged the Centre to finalise the Naga political solution based on the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position, which he said have remained pending for over six years. He also appealed the centre and the Naga political groups to “honour their signatures.”
He added that while the state government had projected itself as an “opposition-less government” to facilitate a solution, there has been little visible progress. He suggested that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly could at least pass a resolution endorsing an early, time-bound settlement, given its mandate.
‘Govt. is accountable’
K Therie, vice chairman of the advisory council, called on the state government to take concrete steps, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed willingness to implement the agreed solution if the state cooperates.
He questioned the state government’s approach, particularly its push for a new interlocutor and a pan-Naga platform, which he said runs contrary to the position of the 14 tribes.
“If there's no integration, why should we have another higher authority over Nagaland State Assembly?” he asked.
He cautioned that continued inaction would have consequences. “If Nagaland State Assembly does not want or is against the solution, then the people have to move forward to tell the Government of India: we have an anti-people government,” he said, adding that the forum is prepared to take the issue to the grassroots.
-1774452393373.png&w=1200&q=75)
‘Shared sovereignty?’
KK Sema, a member of CNFN, criticised the NSCN (IM), alleging lack of transparency and questioning its demands for a separate flag and constitution.
He argued that such demands have no legal standing if solution is within the Indian Constitution and asked the group to clarify the concept of “shared sovereignty”.
He questioned the alleged demand for seat enhancement in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, stating that a foreign country does not ask for seats in another country’s parliament. “It’s a protocol, a right of a free country to have its own flag and constitution. No foreign country asks another foreign country for flag and constitution for their country,” he maintained.
Sema also raised concerns over the taxation of businesses by underground groups, saying it is affecting the state’s economy and placing additional burden on the youth. “Nagaland cannot continue to be an ATM for all the Naga brothers from everywhere else,” he said, while maintaining that the forum is apolitical despite individuals having party affiliations.
Former Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir stressed the need for an urgent resolution, stating that Nagaland is being held back while its people fall behind others. “We are very clear: Nagaland is Nagaland, talk for Nagaland,” he said, urging both the Centre and the state government to deliver a solution within the constitutional framework.
Calling for an end to violence and extortion, he said, “The arms should be removed from Nagaland. We want a solution at the earliest.”
Zhovehu Lohe described a political solution as the “greatest austerity measure” for Nagaland in decades, saying it would address multiple issues but requires collective effort. He alleged that while the state government has the responsibility to resolve the situation, it has hindered an early settlement.
End delay now
Responding to questions, SC Jamir, the only living signatory to the 16-Point Agreement, said that the accord was intended to address the aspirations of the Naga people and led to the formation of Nagaland as the 16th state of India, with Article 371A safeguarding its interests.
On criticism from the Naga Students’ Federation, Theja Therie said that formal talks had ended in 2019 and questioned claims that recent statements were disrupting the process. “Now we're in 2026—where’s the process we are obstructing? We are just asking to deliver what’s agreed upon,” he said.
The forum also clarified that it has not held any formal meetings with either the NNPGs or the NSCN (IM) as a body, though individuals may have interacted separately.
The leaders reiterated that they are open to engaging with like-minded groups and called for unity among Naga political entities to move forward.