National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN-IM] general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah has said that the Naga political movement will continue “come what may” if the Government of India fails to recognise the Naga identity.
In an exclusive interaction with EastMojo at the Gethsemane Prayer Centre in Somdal, his hometown in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the 91-year-old leader reiterated the group’s long-standing position that the Nagas would “stand their ground” on issues of identity and sovereignty.
Muivah recalled the discussions that preceded the signing of the Framework Agreement between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India on August 3, 2015, and said he had made his stance clear before the accord was finalised.
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“Our history with the Indian government is clear. We were forced to tell them that come what may, we will stand our ground,” Muivah said. “We will not come taking our history to surrender to you. Whether it is today, tomorrow, or any time in the future—we will never do that.”
He said that while there had been dialogue and understanding between the two sides, the core issue of Naga identity remained unresolved. “Nagas are Nagas and Indians are Indians. If you do not come to understand us and appreciate that, then there is no point for us to come to you,” he added.
The NSCN-IM leader maintained that the group remained ready for dialogue but only if the Indian government acknowledged the unique history and rights of the Nagas.
The NSCN-IM signed a framework agreement with the Government of India in 2015, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Naga issue. However, nearly a decade later, final negotiations remain stalled over key demands, including a separate flag and constitution.
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