The Naga Agreement of 2015 was signed on August 3, 2015, between the Indian government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), marking a significant milestone in resolving the decades-old Naga conflict. The agreement sought to bring an end to the violent insurgency that has plagued the northeastern state of Nagaland for over six decades.
The NSCN, whose origins date back to the early 1940s, had been fighting for an independent Naga state, comprising parts of northeastern India and northwestern Myanmar. The group`s long-standing demand for sovereignty and self-determination had been a key source of instability in the region, leading to violence and bloodshed.
The Naga Agreement of 2015 was the result of years of negotiations between the Indian government and the NSCN. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSCN leader Thuingaleng Muivah, in the presence of several other senior government officials and leaders.
The agreement outlined a framework for a political solution to the Naga conflict, which included a commitment to preserve the cultural, linguistic, and ethnic identity of the Nagas. The agreement also recognized the unique history and traditions of the Nagas and their right to self-governance.
One of the major provisions of the Naga Agreement of 2015 was the creation of a new entity called the Nagaland Territorial Region (NTR), which would have greater autonomy than the existing state government. The NTR would be governed by a council comprising representatives from different Naga tribes, and would have its own police force, as well as the power to levy taxes.
The Naga Agreement of 2015 was widely hailed as a significant step towards achieving peace and stability in Nagaland. However, it has also faced criticism from some quarters, who argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Despite these challenges, the Naga Agreement of 2015 remains a landmark achievement in the history of the Naga conflict. It represents a commitment to dialogue and negotiation as a means of resolving long-standing disputes, and offers hope for a brighter future for the people of Nagaland.