Calling for immediate action, 22 Rajya Sabha MPs have written to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the revival of the Naga peace process. The MPs stressed the urgent need for a full-time negotiator to restore momentum and maintain trust, warning that further delays may undo decades of painstaking progress.
BY PC Bureau
In a significant development, 22 Rajya Sabha members from different political parties have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to revive the stalled Naga peace talks. In their joint letter, the parliamentarians emphasized the necessity of appointing a full-time negotiator to prevent setbacks in a process that has spanned decades and is vital for national security and regional stability.
The MPS are: Manoj Kumar (RJD), Sanjay Yadav (SP), John Brittas (CPI-M), A.A. Rahim (CPI-M), P. Sandosh Kumar (CPI), Sushmita Dev (TMC), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Dr. Fauzia Khan (NCP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), M.M. Abdulla (IUML), Dr. Kanimozhi N.V.N. Somu (DMK), Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain (INC), P.P. Suneer (CPI), V. Sivadasan (CPI-M), P.V. Abdul Wahab (IUML), Haris Beeran (Congress), S. Venkatesan (CPI-M), K. Radhakrishnan (BSP), and R. Sachithanantham (DMK).
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The Naga Peace Process, which commenced formally in 1997 with the signing of a ceasefire agreement, has seen notable milestones over the years. A pivotal achievement was the 2015 Framework Agreement, signed between the Modi government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).
This agreement was hailed as a breakthrough in resolving one of India’s longest-running insurgencies, but its fine prints were never made public.
The Framework Agreement raised hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The MPs noted that this milestone was the culmination of efforts initiated during the tenure of late Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and advanced by successive governments. Key milestones such as the 1997 ceasefire and the 2002 Amsterdam Communiqué were also cited as testaments to India’s commitment to peace in the Northeast.
The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), the second group engaged in peace talks with the Union government, held its installation-cum-consecration ceremony on February 8 in #Dimapur, #Nagaland.
This comes after the NNPGs recently appointed NSCN(U)… pic.twitter.com/OVYiO40Ip0
— EastMojo (@EastMojo) February 8, 2025
Despite these achievements, the MPs expressed concern over the current impasse in negotiations. According to their letter, the goodwill generated by the Framework Agreement has not been fully harnessed. The parliamentarians warned that any prolonged delays could jeopardize the trust built over the years and risk reversing decades of progress.
The letter emphasized that the Naga-inhabited regions hold immense strategic importance, sharing borders with five countries, including China and Myanmar. The MPs highlighted that instability in these regions poses significant national security concerns.
Impact of the Absence of a Full-Time Negotiator
One of the key grievances raised by the MPs was the absence of a dedicated interlocutor since the resignation of the previous negotiator in September 2021. Since then, the government has relied on an ad-hoc arrangement, which the MPs argued has led to disrupted communication and irregular meetings between negotiating parties.
The lawmakers warned that this lack of a permanent negotiator risks eroding the hard-earned trust between the government and the Naga groups. They noted that effective communication and regular engagement are essential for any peace process to succeed.
Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir highlighted the existence of 26 factions in Nagaland, raised concerns over rampant taxation & corruption, and urged the Government of India to implement the agreements made. pic.twitter.com/WgKUOgGBBw
— Naga Hills (@Hillsnaga) February 5, 2025
Exclusion and Secrecy in the Negotiations
The MPs also criticized the exclusion of elected representatives from meaningful participation in the peace talks. They condemned the persistent secrecy surrounding the negotiations, stating that such opacity makes the process vulnerable to manipulation by a few within the political and bureaucratic establishment.
The letter stressed that peace negotiations are a matter of national importance and should not be reduced to mere bureaucratic exercises devoid of democratic oversight.
Transparency and Parliamentary Accountability
Another pressing concern raised in the letter was the lack of updates provided to Parliament regarding the status of the peace process. The MPs expressed frustration that despite the Naga Peace Process being recognized as a crucial pillar of national security, Parliament has remained uninformed about its progress since the signing of the Framework Agreement.
The lawmakers emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential for building public trust and ensuring the success of peace negotiations.
Key Recommendations to the Government
In light of these concerns, the MPs made the following recommendations:
- Appointment of a Full-Time Interlocutor:
The MPs urged the government to appoint a dedicated negotiator to restore momentum to the peace process and ensure regular communication between the parties. - Regular Updates to Parliament:
They called on Amit Shah to provide Parliament with a comprehensive update on the progress of the Framework Agreement and ongoing negotiations. - Inclusion of Elected Representatives:
The MPs stressed the importance of involving elected representatives in the peace talks to ensure democratic oversight and broader participation. - Greater Transparency:
They urged the government to adopt a more transparent approach to the negotiations to build public confidence and prevent misinformation.
The MPs concluded their letter by warning that any further delays could undo decades of progress and destabilize the region. They emphasized that achieving lasting peace in the Northeast is not only essential for the welfare of the local population but also critical for India’s national security and development.
The lawmakers expressed hope that the government would take swift action to address their concerns and ensure that the Naga Peace Process reaches a successful and lasting conclusion.
