The Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), has called for the early implementation of the political agreements reached between the Government of India (GoI) and Naga representatives, asserting that the prolonged Indo-Naga political conflict can be resolved only through mutual recognition of historical and political positions.

In a statement, the WC, NNPGs recalled the political negotiations held between 2017 and 2019 with then GoI Interlocutor, RN Ravi, now Governor of West Bengal, saying the talks dwelt on the concept of an “inclusive India” and the distinct history, identity, culture and ancestral land of the Naga people.

The group said both sides had demonstrated reciprocal respect during the negotiations and had, in principle, agreed to work towards a political solution within a federal constitutional framework, including through appropriate provisions in the Constitution of India.

According to the WC, NNPGs, the negotiations have been successfully concluded and are now awaiting a formal announcement by the GoI. It claimed that the proposed solution would address what it described as discrepancies between the constitutional framework and its implementation on the ground, particularly with regard to Article 371A.

The group maintained that political agreements reached between the GoI and Naga representatives in the past and recent years must be respected and implemented, arguing that such agreements provide the basis for peaceful coexistence between Nagas and the Indian Union.

The statement also warned against what it described as attempts to undermine the Naga political agreements through “petty MOUs”, particularly in relation to natural resources. It asserted that the WC, NNPGs and GoI had agreed in principle on a framework for the utilisation of natural resources, including resources above and below the ground, strategic minerals and rare earth elements.

The group said it would oppose any force seeking to undermine the Agreed Position and Status Paper between the GoI and WC, NNPGs, while urging the Centre to prevent what it termed “political thugs” from working against the spirit and principles of the agreements.

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On Article 371A, the WC, NNPGs described the constitutional provision as a crucial link between the Union of India and the Naga people. It warned that any temporary or permanent suspension, or complete removal, of the provision would “deem Nagaland to a pre-statehood status” in which case, Nagaland and Nagas would have absolute right, once again, to invoke the spirit of January 10, 1929, 14th August 1947 and May 16, 1951.

The statement recalled that the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was signed on August 3, 2015, while the Agreed Position between the GoI and WC, NNPGs was signed on November 17, 2017.

The group expressed concern over the prolonged delay in bringing the political agreements to fruition, alleging that sections of the state government, bureaucracy and security agencies had allowed “anti-solution elements” to flourish while the common people continued to wait for an honourable and acceptable political solution.

The WC, NNPGs also broadened its statement to the question of India’s national identity, calling for an inclusive and secular conception of the country. Referring to the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, BR Ambedkar and other freedom fighters, it said the “Idea of India” was rooted in tolerance, inclusiveness and unity in diversity.

The group urged the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to reconsider the call for a “Hindu Rashtra”, arguing that India’s diversity of faiths, cultures, beliefs and social practices must be respected.

It said no religious group should consider itself “more Indian” than others, adding, “Two Indias cannot exist in one”.

The WC, NNPGs further said political leadership at the national level, particularly the ruling party, must work towards convincing different sections of Indian society to coexist by recognising their respective histories and identities—not merely through prolonged discussions but through negotiated political agreements and their implementation.

It described an early resolution of the Indo-Naga political conflict as an immediate confidence-building measure that, adding, it would go a long way in convincing the “other India” to feel at home, respected and recognised.