The NSCN (I-M) on Tuesday enforced a 12-hour shutdown of shops and commercial establishments in “Nagalim” (Naga-inhabited areas) in protest against the Centre’s “silence” on the Framework Agreement signed six years ago.
Sources said the development is not “good” news for the Narendra Modi-led government which had claimed the agreement signed on August 3, 2015, a “major” breakthrough in resolving “the longest running insurgency movement in Southeast Asia”. The Framework Agreement would be the basis of the final peace deal.
Sources claimed business and traffic were affected in Nagaland and other Naga-inhabited areas in the region, especially Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
“According to reports, the shutdown was near total in most Naga-inhabited areas but had little impact in two of the 12 districts in Nagaland — Mon and Zunheboto — because of the call given by the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to keep shops open. We are awaiting details,” a source said.
The NNPGs comprise seven underground groups and are engaged in the ongoing peace process.
The sources also said the NSCN (I-M) has been able to convey the “message” to the Centre that it has “retained” its influence over “Nagalim” and that it remains the “most important key stakeholder” in the peace process.
The peace process, which started with the NSCN (I-M) declaring ceasefire in 1997, has of late, seemed to be floundering because of the outfit’s “firm stand” on a separate flag and constitution besides its “strained” ties with the Centre’s interlocutor and Nagaland governor R.N. Ravi.
The NSCN (I-M) while calling the shutdown on August 1 had said that the “historic” Framework Agreement was yet to see the “light of fulfilment” as committed by the Centre and six years down the line, there is no “positive response” yet from the government.
“The Nagas cannot be taken for a ride in this manner,” it said.
The appeal also said while Naga people appreciate the Centre for “recognising” the historical and political rights of the Nagas by signing the agreement, the matter should “not” end there.
“What had been committed should be taken to a logical conclusion. The NSCN/GPRN attached high political value to FA (Framework Agreement) as a fulfilment of Naga people’s historical and political rights. As a mark of our protest against the GoI (Government of India) for keeping silent on FA even after 6 years, there will be a total closure of shops and business establishments in Nagalim till noon on 3rd August, 2021,” the outfit had said while seeking the support of Naga people and business groups to make the shutdown successful.
In a statement on Monday, the NSCN (I-M) said: “The very fact that the Nagas are not rigid had taken the Indo-Naga political talk this far. The pressing irony is that without the Naga national flag and Yehzabo (Constitution), everything discussed and agreed upon shall be nullified.
“More than that, the Framework Agreement should not be twisted to project that it is under the purview of Indian Constitution.”