FRAMEWORK AGRERMEN BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GoI) AND THE NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALAND (NSCN)

 FRAMEWORK AGRERMEN BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GoI)
AND THE NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALAND (NSCN)

The political conflict is about six decades old.  Attempts have been made for its
comprehensive resolution through discussions between the Government of India and
the representatives of the Naga people from time to time. A fresh attempt in this
regard was initiated through a political dialogue between the Government of India and
the NSCN in 1997.

The GoI-NSCN dialogue led to a better mutual understanding. While the Gol in
expression of the understanding recognized the unique history and position of the
Nagas, the NSCN understood and appreciated the intricacies of the Indian system.
With such an understanding and with due appreciation of the imperatives of the
contemporary realities and regard for future vision, both sides have agreed to reach
an agreement that will end the violent confrontation once and for all and will usher in
comprehensive progress in consonance with the genius of the Naga people.

Both sides have understood each other's respective positions and are cognizant of the
universal principle that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people. Accordingly,
the Government of India and the NSCN, respecting people's wishes for sharing the
sovereign power as defined in the competencies, reached an agreement on the 3rd
August, 2015 as an honourable solution. It is a matter of great satisfaction that
dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN has successfully concluded
and we are confident, it will provide for an enduring inclusive new relationship of
peaceful co-existence of the two entities.

The two sides agreed that within this framework agreement details and execution plan
will be worked out and implemented shortly.

Isak Chishi Swu                           Th. Muivah                                      R.N. Ravi
Chairman,                                      General Secretary                        Representative of
National Socialist                          National Socialist                        Government of India
Council of Nagaland                     Council of Nagaland

Content of the Agreed Position between GOI and NNPGs

AGREED POSITION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI) AND NNPGs

AGREED POSITION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI) AND NAGA
NATIONAL POLITICAL GROUPS (NNPGs) WORKING COMMITTEE (WC) 
ON RESOLUTION OF NAGA POLITICAL ISSUE

(November-17, 2007)

After several rounds of deliberations, the Government of India and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), Working Committee (WC) have agreed to resolve the Naga Political issue through negotiation and understanding of each other's factual positions and that,

The Government of India recognises the Historical and Political rights of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity. The two entities have agreed to work out the details of a relationship that is honourable, enduring and an inclusive peaceful co-existence with due regard to contemporary political realities

                                                                                                                                                 New Delhi 

                                                                                                                         Date: November 17, 2017 

R.N. Ravi, Interlocutor, GOI

1. N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener, WC & Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN 

2. V. Nag, Co-convener, WC, General Secretary, NNC(Parent Body)

3. Hozheto Z. Chophy, Co-Convener, WC, Ato Kilonser, NNC/NPGN

4. Zhopra Vero, Co-Convener, WC, Kedallo, FGN 

5. Kiumukam Yimchunger, Co-Convener, WC, President, NNC/GDRN

6. Y. Wangtin Naga, Co-Convener, WC, President, NSCN/GPRN-Reformation 

THE GENESIS OF NAGA-KUKI CLASH IN EARLY NINETIES

Celebrating an ugly past is unbecoming of people who follow Jesus Christ – the prince of peace. It is just the opposite of charity for all and malice towards none. Naga-Kuki clash in the early nineties would be very unpleasant and obnoxious for any sensible person. The conflicts were blatant displays of satanic influence overpowering the Christian faith of both sides.

If I may quote Rev. Adeyeimo of Africa "The conflicts proved that our Christianity then was only one inch deep though a kilometer long. A lot of good and holy professings on the mouth but the hands were hell-bent for crimes."

It started like a spark in Chandel district in 1992 and in no time cries for blood reached its zenith. Human right abuses of the worst kinds heard and seen all over the hill districts. Brutalities committed by both sides were beyond fair descriptions. The worst was a bus proceeding to Tamenglong was pushed down a cliff with Naga passengers inside by Kuki Defense Force (KDF). For many years, I restrained myself not to let the following informations come to public domain. However, repeated and hysterical celebrations of Black Day on the 13th September every year compelled me to lay bare the genesis of Naga-Kuki clash as I knew then and remember now.

By the way, I was collecting informations on Human Right Abuses committed by the Indian Army, NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) for some Organizations – National and International from 1988 to 1995. As Naga-Kuki clash was unfolding concurrently, my scope was widened and to my fortune all came tumbling in my way.

However, I passed on faithfully all the informations to the concerned Organizations. My present informations are retrievals from my recollective closet and therefore, I beg the pardon of all for missing the dates, month, year and name of some persons. However, the factual informations can be confirmed through RTI – if only the archives of the states in question and Government of India are truthful.

THE SEQUENCE OF THE GENESIS OF NAGA-KUKI CONFLICT:

1. 1989, some time in March the Kuki National Assembly (KNA) circulated information to all Kuki headman to stop payment of land taxes to leaser Naga villages and at the same time not to sell any landed property to the Nagas.

2. Most importantly at the same time, a memorandum was submitted to Mr. Buta Singh, Home Minister of India. In the Memorandum, the Kuki National Assembly (KNA) vowed that Kuki community would subdue the Naga Independent Movement in 5 (five) years which the Government of India failed to achieve in 40 years. In the same Memorandum, Arms and Money were sought for urgently. The Memorandum was signed by late Major P. Kipgen as General Secretary and President, Kuki National Assembly (KNA).

3. A Colonel of Indian Army whose wife was my patient invited my family to come to Leimakhong Army Camp. One Sunday in July 1990, I went with my family to Leimakhong Army Camp and spent some leisure hours with the Colonel’s family. Taking me aside for a private talk, the Colonel revealed to me that under the initiative of Defence Ministry, a batch of 250 Kuki youngsters were being trained for self defence and the band was named as Kuki Defence Force (KDF). The purpose was not informed to the trainers, but on their own they elicited informations under liquor. Some bluntly came out with intent to fight with NSCN (IM) and Tangkhuls.

4. In 1989/90, Mr. S.C. Jamir, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland sent a Special Team to Manipur to incite the Kukis and Meiteis to precipitate communal clash against the Tangkhuls. The Secret Team started working in Manipur from the month of February the same year and completed by September 1989/90. Some officials of RAW and secret agents of Mr. S.C. Jamir under the command of Col. Joy Singh celebrated the completion of the mission in the Inspection Bungalow, Bishnupur. Col. Joy Singh inebriated under alcohol molested the daughter of chawkidar of the Inspection Bungalow. The next morning the women folks of Bishnupur encircled the bungalow demanding justice. The local police stepped in to settle the issue. Then Col. Joy Singh, identified himself and produced a letter of endorsement which ran: "I am directed by Mr. S.C. Jamir, the Chief Minister of Nagaland to endorse the following four persons under the command of Col. Joy Singh for a Special Mission in Manipur. Unstinted support given for conveyance, security and logistics will be highly appreciated. Signed by TCK Lotha, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland."

One police personnel posted at Bishnupur informed to me the details of Col. Joy Singh and his team and the purpose of the Mission. I expected a hue and cry the following days. But the Government of Manipur, under late R.K. Dorendra as the Chief Minister of Manipur and Mr. C. Doungel as the Finance Minister were already well-tuned for the heinous crimes laid out by the Government of India. Hence all hushed up! Even the press kept out of the issue. All I could do was to apprise the Human Rights watch groups.

5. Mr. S.C. Jamir, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland, took full patronage of NSCN (K) in early nineties and played against the NSCN (IM) and Tangkhul Civilians in Nagaland. Many Tangkhul Students, Travelers, Government Servants etc. were mercilessly killed. Even Clergies were not spared. The involvement of Mr. S.C. Jamir was inferred from two sources.*

I. Mr. Chamanlal was the DGP of Nagaland. A student group approached him for better security coverage. He confessed his limitations but promised the best possible efforts. At the same time, the DGP bluntly came out against the Naga Legislators for making a thug – the Chief Minister of Nagaland.

II. One Col. Chaudhury visited Talui village on Christmas Day of 2004. He was posted at Talui Army Camp in seventies as a captain. During our discussions, he revealed confidently that NSCN (K) was no less than private army of Mr. S.C. Jamir. Most of nineties Col. Chaudhury was in Nagaland, and he knew the ugly truth very well.

6. Mr. Nehlun Haokip was the Commander-In-Chief of Kuki Defence Force (KDF). He went and met the then Army Chief of India, Gen. Rodrigue in Delhi and in his poorly framed press release spilt the beans of the Government of India helping the Kuki Defence Force (KDF) to fight the Nagas. Arms and money in the pipeline. It was some time in July/August 1992. It was a blunder mistake for Nehlun Haokip. He was later executed within a few months of his revelation.

Now, putting all these information, even a simpleton can frame a simple and straight inference that the Naga-Kuki conflict was maliciously planned and precipitated by the Kukis under the malevolent nudging of the Government of India. The Government of Nagaland and Manipur jointly abetted to execute the crimes.

After the Naga-Kuki conflicts, the armed Kuki youngsters could not suppress their thirst for blood, and as a result protracted conflicts between Zous and Kukis followed. A Kuki lady officer confided to me once that, she was thoroughly, emotionally and financially drained dropping and burying a dead body almost every day. Who killed more Kukis – Nagas or Zous? I have no headcounts.

Everybody knew many lives destroyed for meaningless cause. It is good to own the crimes and heal the strained human relation. One can cheat and fool man all the time but not GOD – the true judge of all. Let us learn to celebrate and applause what is good and honourable. Let us learn to make peace; for the peacemakers will be called the children of GOD (Matthews 5:9). Let us stop bothering for the Black Day. Let us pursue peace and celebrate peace.

Dr. Nelson Vashum, MD, CHSRC, 

Hamleikhong Hungpung, 

Ukhrul District Manipur-79514

Who is N Kitovi Zhimomi?

To know more, read this straight from his comrades heart....

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang group has issued a statement pointing out to what it termed as the “truth behind the expulsion of N. Kitovi Zhimomi from the NSCN/GPRN”. Stating this in a press note issued by its MIP, the NSCN Khaplang stated that with regard to the recent crisis in the NSCN/GPRN, “most Naga laymen would definitely be ignorant about the ground reality and the circumstances that culminated the event”. As such it explained that the “decision of Khehoi campers led by N. Kitovi Zhimomi to secede from the National mainstream political authority, NSCN/GPRN led by SS. Khaplang served as  the final straw and it ultimately led to the expulsion of N. Kitovi Zhimomi and his cronies from the primary membership of NSCN as well from the GPRN’S Ato Kilonser’s Chair”.

The MIP note stated that various allegations on SS Khaplang’s leadership “inefficiencies, lack of political will etc are being propagated by Khehoi residents In-order to white wash it’s crime, inconsistencies and betrayal”. “However, the NSCN/GPRN as an august Naga people’s political platform feels it demeaning to respond to every senseless utterance by flock of desperate and frustrated criminals camping at Khehoi”. However it stated that in order to put the matter to rest, “the Nagas need to be told the facts that have for long being tackled in order to avoid this unfortunate showdown”.

According to the press note SS. Khaplang had been “advising N. Kitovi Zhimomi to uphold the dignity of Ato Kilonser’s Office and to preserve the national principles and ideologies upon which the NSCN/GPRN has been founded”. He even advised N.K Zhimomi to station far off from the madding crowd. So as not to dilute the sanctity of the task he has been entrusted with, stated the MIP note. “But unfortunately Mr Kitovi choose to ignore the wise counsel of his mentor and started isolating himself, it’s been almost 10 years that he remained incommunicado from the office/individual of NSCN/GPRN, president and chairman, SS Khaplang.  It therefore requires no explanation as to who is at fault”, stated the MIP note.

Pointing out that the “programs, policies of the GPRN/NSCN were completely over ridden by N Kitovi Zhimomi and in many cases the NSCN/GPRN’S position were compromised”, the press note stated that for instance, in the past several state’s assembly elections of the Nagaland “N. Kitovi Zhimomi was instructed not to meddle in the petty Indian state politics, since the Nagas struggle is outside and above the purview of Indian constitution/state”. “But for his own benefits the national interest of the struggling Nagas were set aside and rubbished”, claimed the press note.

Stating that the “Nagas still being a struggling people in quest of freedom and liberation, as a revolutionary specially its leaders are expected to be a role model possessing integrity, morality, commitment to the cause and high political foresight, the comforts and luxury of an individual are to be completely set aside if the cause are to be pursued whole heartedly”.

However, it termed as unfortunate that for Kitovi “these things were very dear to him” and that the “question of him sacrificing all his luxurious living had been like asking him to commit suicide”. “The reality of having to be based in eastern Nagaland in the company of SS. Khaplang was too much a sacrifice for him”, it stated while adding that the “comforts of home, the splendor of Khehoi camp being in close proximity to Dimapur, the facilities of star hotels in Indian cities were his daily indulgences, drinking revelries of imported scotches, whiskies and wines, gambling, betting etc became his daily routine”.

“Thus, it is without doubt, that he has hardly any passion or commitment for the task he has been shouldering, at the same time his coteries mostly comprises of regular defectors, for instance - Azheto Chophi defected 8 (eight) times in between, became his political advisors, the stature of these collaborators speaks itself of selfish pursuits and materialistic desires at the expense of sincere national workers, innocent Naga masses and most importantly at the peril of Historical and political rights of the Nagas, for which thousands of Nagas has for decades been sacrificing”, the press note stated.

“It may precisely be concluded that ,despite, numerous of errors and blunders that has been committed as a leader, our focus is purely to salvage the Nagas struggle from the grip of such arrogant and egoistic leader who always prefer individual agendas and interest to that of Naga’s national interest”, the press note further added.

Source: July 4, 2011 (MExN): NSCN (Khaplang) points out ‘truth behind the expulsion’

NNPGs ready to conclude talks: Kitovi

Against the backdrop of government of India mulling to conclude the ongoing Peace Talks with the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), the Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) convenor, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, has categorically stated that WC was ready to conclude the talk.

In an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post, Kitovi pointed out that tribal hohos and civil society organisations based in Nagaland have expressed the desire for early solution.

He then asked, why should solution be kept on hold when there was “no problem between Government of India and Nagas of Nagaland?”.

Kitovi, who is also the ato kilonser of GPRN/NSCN, said: “There may be some problem between government of India and NSCN (I-M) but it must not hamper the Nagas of Nagaland.”

He said since integration of the Naga inhabited areas was not possible at this point in time, then Nagas should be left alone to settle their problem and that “ties between Government of India and NSCN (I-M) should not have any adverse impact on Nagas of Nagaland”.

Kitovi dismissed speculations that WC of NNPGs was negotiating only for Nagas living in Nagaland . “How can we ignore our people living outside the state of Nagaland?,” he asked. He said NNPGs in principle, have come into agreement with government of India to create separate Regional Territorial Council (RTC) of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, which would not be applicable to Assam at this point of time.

Excerpts of the interview

NP: What is the status of WC of NNPGs Talk with Government of India?

Kitovi: We started the negotiation since the last part of 2017 and so far we have had 52 rounds of negotiations. We have completed every issue and no issue has been left out. We are ready to conclude the Talk.

NP: What is the primary demand of NNPGs?

Kitovi: Nagas have been demanding sovereign independence and our initial demand has been that. However, government of India has made it very clear that it cannot afford to recognise Naga sovereign independence at this given situation. Keeping this in mind, we have agreed that this issue shall continue through democratic approach and that we will go for what is good and possible at the moment. We are demanding only the practical and good, with clear conscience, that anything that we are agreeing today will certainly benefit our people though it is not sovereign independence.

NP: Does your demand include territorial integration of all Naga inhabited areas?

Kitovi: This was also discussed initially but as we know, the government of India is not in a position to disintegrate neighbouring states to integrate Nagaland state. So, we have mutually agreed that territorial issue would be kept open and continued through democratic political process. It has not been totally ruled out by government of India, and we have not given up also. 

NP: If both the demands of sovereignty and territorial integration are to be continued after signing the final agreement, will NNPGs continue the negotiation or pass on the baton?

Kitovi: We should not call it a final agreement but term it a solution. Final agreement will depend on Naga people. The aspirations for sovereignty and territorial integration should be continued through democratic process by the Naga people. 

The issue is still kept open but it should be continued without any arm struggle, intimidation and threats. It can be achieved through mutual understanding and with maximum trust. 

At present, Manipur state government has taken a strong position that not even an inch of Manipur state territory would be compromised, tomorrow they may not say that. 

Whether there will be any territorial integration will depend on the Nagas and on how we deal with our neighbouring people, one day they may not object to Nagas wanting to live under one single political umbrella. We can create such situation only through democratic approach.

NP: There is a wide perceptive that NNPGs are only negotiating for Nagas living in the state of Nagaland. What do you have to say on this?

Kitovi: These are all the handiworks of some wishful thinkers, they are spreading rumours. How can we ignore our people living outside the state of Nagaland? 

We have demanded extension of special provision under Article 371 (A) to all Naga inhabited areas. For Nagas living in Manipur, Article 371 (C) has clearly enshrined that there shall be a hill council for tribal people, but so far this has not been implemented. We have raised our concern to government of India on Article 371 (C) and have deliberated on it. 

Our demand is for separate Regional Territorial Council of Manipur and Regional Territorial Council of Arunachal Pradesh. Nagas living in Manipur and Arunachal should have the power to legislate according to their customary practices and procedures, which government in both the states should not object but adopt it. As of Assam, the same is not applicable at this point in time. 

RTC of both Manipur and Arunachal will have separate constituency to send representatives to both the houses (Lok and Rajya Sabha) of Indian Parliament. 

NP: You said NNPGs are demanding RTC for Nagas living in Manipur and Arunachal. As you know, Nagas living in the state of Nagaland have Article 371 (A), so what are your demands for Nagas living in this state?

Kitovi: Article 371 (A) is good for Naga people, but it is good for nothing since we are restricted to implement 371 (A) in toto. 

Article 371 Clause C has provision for the people living in the Hill Areas. However, we have not seen any functioning of these provisions. 

NP: You said that NNPGs is ready for solution. NSCN (I-M) have been negotiating for over 22 years without a solution. What made NNPGs come to a concluding stage of Talks in just two years? 

Kitovi: There is no problem which cannot be solved. Every problem should be solved through its formula. And, to solve Naga problem we have to be realistic and pragmatic. Why two years, it could have been solved even within two weeks. However, until and unless we allow ourselves to be practical, the solution will evade us. What 22 years, it will go on even for 220 years but the problem will remain unsolved unless we are practical. 

NP: Government of India position is “One Peace Process, One Solution”. However, both GoI and NSCN (I-M) have admitted that the Talk has stalled due to “differing positions” concerning latter’s demand for separate Naga national Flag and Constitution. As such, how do you envisage concluding the Talk?

Kitovi: Whatever is possible today will be possible tomorrow, and what is not possible and practical today may find problems later on, so it won’t make any sense to continue the struggle till that time. 

14 tribes of Nagaland state, Nagaland GBs Federation and Nagaland Joint Christian Forum have all come out for early solution. They have made their demand clear that whatever is possible and agreed should be completed, and in case of any unresolved issue the matter may continue at the later stage. There is no problem for Nagas of Nagaland in solving the issue.

There may be some problem between government of India and NSCN (I-M) but it must not hamper the Nagas of Nagaland. Government of India has clearly stated that integration of Naga inhabited areas is not possible at this point in time. So then leave Nagas of Nagaland alone, let Nagas of Nagaland settle their problem. 

Ties between Government of India and NSCN (I-M) should not have any adverse impact on Nagas of Nagaland. When there is no problem between government of India and Nagas of Nagaland, then what is the reason to keep the issue on hold?

NP: What is NNPGs position on Naga Flag and Constitution?

Kitovi: When government of India has clearly, time and again, stated that sovereign independence is not possible at this stage and mutual agreement is to conclude the issue through democratic process, now why are they talking about Flag and Constitution?. 

What is Constitution and which Constitution are we talking for and who will make the Constitution? Are we demanding Naga Constitution from government of India? 

We have to go step by step instead of jumping from one point to another. Government of India has agreed that we can use Naga flag in our customary, traditional bodies. However, Nagas shall have our common insignia which will be used all over Naga areas in the customary court and establishments and even in Nagaland Federal Hoho, which is purely a customary body. 

We cannot say what kind of insignia will be designed by Nagaland Tatar Hoho but it will be called the common Naga Totem – it may be the present Naga Flag or we may adopt a new insignia.

As far as Constitution is concerned, Nagas have been practising unwritten Constitution as per our Naga customs. NNPGs and government of India has mutually agreed that Nagas shall have the right to legislate their customary practices and procedures. Besides that what more Constitution my counterpart NSCN (I-M) is demanding I could not digest.

NP: Is there any possibility of government of India bringing the two negotiating parties together before signing the agreement?

Kitovi: Since the position of government of India is very clear that there will be only one solution. 

NSCN (I-M) are also negotiating with their separate agendas. As for NNPGs, we have completed all our agenda in the negotiation. Who knows our agenda maybe similar, and at last government of India may say that agendas which are being principally agreed, with both the groups, would be compiled and both the parties should sign it. 

Our apprehension with NSCN (I-M) talk – What if there are some certain issues which may be good for Nagas of Arunachal and Manipur but not applicable or good for Nagas of Nagaland? There may be some differences in application but that can be sorted out. 

If Nagas of Arunachal and Manipur get separate RTC with legislative power then it is good for them. Nagaland cannot go back to 6th Schedule, but it would be good for our people in Arunachal and Manipur if they are given separate autonomous power. 

Nagas of Nagaland have already attained the full statehood since 50 years back, now if we want to attain something then it should be better, higher and bigger than the present state.

NP: So will NNPGs agree to sit down with NSCN (I-M) to iron out any issues before signing the final agreement?

Kitovi: To sit with NSCN (I-M) is not an issue, we can even sleep with I-M provided our stand is pragmatic. If we are not practical then sitting together, sleeping together have not benefits.

NP: Governor of Nagaland and Interlocutor to Naga Peace Talks, R.N Ravi has conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s desire to conclude the Talk within three months. Are NNPGs agreeable to it?

Kitovi: We (NNPGs) have prepared everything three months back. On our part we had completed everything in the month of July. So we were expecting to sign the agreement before 15th August. Two months have passed without any reason otherwise we could have signed before 15th August.

NP: What can Nagas expect if NNPGs sign final agreement with government of India?

Kitovi: Our people should expect, without any doubt, that the moment we sign agreement with government of India there will be absolute transparency, accountability and equal treatment of justice and opportunities. 

NP: Please share your thoughts on your vision of developing Naga inhabited areas.

Kitovi: Naga people have seen disastrous and bitter days since we took up arms against India demanding sovereign independence. Our past experiences were very bitter, we realised that we can no longer continue the issue like this so we decided to find an alternative, which will be good for the young generation. This is the time to think something for younger generation, who are yet to be born. 

After signing of this solution, every Naga should actively get involved to bring reformation, transformation in our political and social life. We are going to adopt a new dimension – from arms power to economy through peace and tranquillity. Therefore, we require the participation of every Naga in reshaping and rebuilding our future.

Not only bureaucrats, politicians or big muscle people, but it will certainly require the involvement of people even at the grass root level. Together we should shape our future. Every Naga must be mentally prepared for they will be instrumental in redefining the future of our Naga people.

NP: What is your message to the Nagas?

Kitovi: Naga people have been confused and mesmerised, but it is time for Nagas to clearly differentiate between the right and wrong, practical and impractical. We have to clearly know the difference between past and the future. Nagas should not be too ignorant. We should stop believing those who have been misguiding us. 

People try to fool us, they will speak of so many untrue issues and we always succumbed to unreality and untrue stories.

At this juncture, I want to ask Nagas to learn from our past mistakes, believe in our self and educate other people.

Source: Nagaland Post (10/6/2019)