NAGA Concordant

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Country/entity: India
Nagaland
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: NAGA Concordant
Date: 26 Aug 2011
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
India-Adivasi Conflicts (1955 - ) (Northeast India)
Several of seven sister states in Northeast India have had ongoing conflicts with the central Indian government, as well as among themselves following India's independence from the British Empire in 1947. Northeast India, in particular, lags behind the rest of India in infrastructure development. Tensions also exist between the various ethnic groups and Indian nationals migrated from elsewhere.

Bodoland:
The Bodo are a predominantly Christian group of about four million people living in the mountainous region of eastern Assam, India. Since 1986, the guerrilla organization – the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) – fought for independence of Bodoland. An initial truce was signed in 1989 and negotiations began with the Assam government. However, the NDFB resumed the conflict and new attempts to reach a peace settlement have not been successful. In 2005, a faction of the NDFB entered negotiations and signed a ceasefire agreement after suffering heavy losses. This splintered the NDFB and more radical factions that continue to fight.

Darjeeling:
Gorkhas in the state of West Bengal waged a guerrilla war against the central government from 1986-1988. Anti-foreign riots started in 1979 after a steady infiltration of Hindus and Muslims from other parts of Bengal. Tensions continued until the Accord of Darjeeling peace agreement was concluded in 1988. This accord provided for an autonomous Gorkha district around Darjeeling, which would remain part of West Bengal. It was implemented in The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (Amendment) Act of 1994. After 2007, a second wave of enthusiasm for Gorkhaland was revived by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, however, this time by non-violent means. Nonetheless, the introduction of Bengali into schools, raised tensions in a Nepali-speaking region and as of 2017 conflict appears to be increasing.

Hmar:
Tension in Mizoram were primarily due to political domination by the Assamese over the Mizo. The Mizo National Front was formed in 1961 in the aftermath of a devastating famine in the Mizo Hills in objection to Indian Government response, or lack of. With popular support the MNF staged an uprising in 1966, but was unable to take control. It was only in 1986 that a peace accord was signed granting Mizoram statehood and the MNF became a political party. The same year the Hmar People's Convention was formed as a political party advocating for the rights of the Hmar which were ignored by the 1986 peace accord. The movement aimed to create an autonomous state in the north of Mizoram. A 1994 agreement between the HPC and Indian government resulted in the formation of the Sinlung Hills Development Council. However, a splinter group - the Hmar People's Convention-Democracy - was formed in 1995 demanding a separate administration.

Manipur:
The Manipur insurgency is linked to national, ethnic and political identity issues that occupy many of the conflicts in India's northeast that emerged following the independence of India in 1947. Among the largest groups are the United National Liberation Front, the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, the People's Liberation Army of Manipur, and the Kanleipak Communist Party. The conflict continues as of 2017.

Nagaland:
The exception is Nagaland, wherein tensions predate 1947 and the Nagas announced their intention to declare independence from Britain. Indian authorities moved troops into the region in 195. Nagaland was eventually declared a state in 1963 and an agreement, the Shillong Accord, was signed between the Naga National Council and Indian Government in 1975. In 1980 the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was formed due to dissatisfaction with the Shillong Accord with the aim of Naga independence. It split into two factions in 1988. Over 80 rounds of peace talks from 1999 onwards led to little until the signing of the Naga Peace Accord in 2015.

Tripura:
Tensions emerged in Tripura between Bengali-speaking settlers and local ethnic groups during the 1970s. In 1989 the National Liberation Front of Tripura was founded followed by the establishment of the All Tripura Tiger Force the next year. Whilst the Christian NLFT seeks independence from India, the Hindu ATTF's sole goal is the expulsion of all Bengali-speakers from the state.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: India-Nagaland peace process
Parties: The agreement was signed by:

1. National Social Council for Nagaland/Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland
- Mr. Isak Chishi Swu (Chairman)
- Mr. Th Muivah (General Secretary)
2. Naga Nationalist Council/Federal Government of Nagaland
- Brig (Retd) S Singnya (President)
- Mr Zhopra Vero (Vice President)
3. Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland/National Social Council for Nagaland
- Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak (Chairman)
- Mr Kitovi Zhimoni (General Secretary)
Third parties: Forum for Naga Reconciliation
Description: In a series of negotiations from August 20 to 26, 2011, key leaders representing various Naga secessionist factions—the National Social Council for Nagaland, the Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland, and the Naga Nationalist Council—convened to deliberate on the political future of Nagaland. The resultant agreements articulated a framework for reconciliation among the groups, predicated on the recognition of historical wrongs and mutual forgiveness. The negotiations culminated in a consensus to form a singular Naga National Government, which would be established through an interim political arrangement operating outside the scope of the Indian Constitution. The discourse was characterized by references to the 'Uniqueness of Naga History' and emphasized the preservation of territorial integrity and Naga sovereignty. A High-Level Commission was constituted to oversee the transition, underscoring the actionable intent of the parties involved. The process reflects a significant development in Naga political unification efforts.

Agreement document: IN_110826_NAGA Concordant.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: NAGA CONCORDANT Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.
...
Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government.
To ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders.
The High Level Commission shall be comprised of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/President or the General Secretary/Vice President, and having no less than four competent members in the ranks of Kilonser/Major General and above, as found deemed fit by the respective governments.
To expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
August 24th and 25th Meetings of Naga Leaders
During the last three meetings of the Highest Level Naga Political Leaders, a decision was arrived, "to towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our Historical and Political Rights" (August 20, 2011);
and following that the leaders "Agreed to Strengthen and Broaden the Peace Process based on the Uniqueness of Naga History" — our historical and political rights (August 22,2011).
...
ANY INTERIM arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside of the purview of the Indian Constitution per se.
Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→New political institutions (indefinite)
NAGA CONCORDANT Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.
...
Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government.
To ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders.
The High Level Commission shall be comprised of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/President or the General Secretary/Vice President, and having no less than four competent members in the ranks of Kilonser/Major General and above, as found deemed fit by the respective governments.
To expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: August 24th and 25th Meetings of Naga Leaders
During the last three meetings of the Highest Level Naga Political Leaders, a decision was arrived, "to towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our Historical and Political Rights" (August 20, 2011);
and following that the leaders "Agreed to Strengthen and Broaden the Peace Process based on the Uniqueness of Naga History" — our historical and political rights (August 22,2011).
...
RECONCILED on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas
...
NAGA CONCORDANT Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.
Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.
...
A JOURNEY OF COMMON HOPE
...
We declare to the Naga people that we have reconciled before God and fellow human beings and in this spirit of reconciliation we are persuaded to understand each other and work towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our historical and political rights.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Other
August 24th and 25th Meetings of Naga Leaders
...
ANY INTERIM arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside of the purview of the Indian Constitution per se.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: NAGA CONCORDANT Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.
...
To expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.
...
A JOURNEY OF COMMON HOPE
Nagas longed for genuine reconciliation among us;
and notwithstanding our commitment and support, path to reconciliation remained arduous due to decades of conflict fortified between us.
Nevertheless, our commitment to reconciliation brought us together on August 20, 2011, in Dimapur, Nagaland, in the spirit of openness towards one another and the indispensable necessity of reconciliation for the historical and political cause of the Nagas.
Having met today through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation we wish to inform the Naga that we have honestly shared our personal opinions on the tragic divisions of the past.
We acknowledge that during this time of seperation we have profoundly hurt one another;
and today through this God given opportunity we have expressed how deeply Sorry we are and we have genuinely forgiven each other.
For healing to take place, also take this time to collectively our sincere apology to the Naga people for all the wrongs we have committed in the course of the Naga struggle.
...
We declare to the Naga people that we have reconciled before God and fellow human beings and in this spirit of reconciliation we are persuaded to understand each other and work towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our historical and political rights.
Fellow Nagas, in the spirit of love let the past remain the past, and from today, let us toil for our common cause.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

August 24th and 25th Meetings of Naga Leaders

During the last three meetings of the Highest Level Naga Political Leaders, a decision was arrived, "to towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our Historical and Political Rights" (August 20, 2011);

and following that the leaders "Agreed to Strengthen and Broaden the Peace Process based on the Uniqueness of Naga History" — our historical and political rights (August 22,2011).

Hence, as a step towards the actualization of the above stated resolutions.

the August 24 and 25, 2011 meetings accorded on the points:

RECONCILED on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas

ACKNOWLEDGED that we have hurt one another and that in the spirit of love we have forgiven each other:

and are prepared to understand each other towards a shared future,

REAFFIRM the resolve not to harbor any non-Naga organizations adverse to the Naga political cause as discussed in Chiang Mai II and IV, and subsequently signed on January 15, 2010 in Dimapur, Nagaland.

Furthermore.

serious note is taken on the harboring of non-Naga organizations opposed to Naga political cause and hence, strongly denounce such acts.

DISENGAGE in and from all forms of actions and associations detrimental to the Historical and Political cause of the Nagas.

AFFIRM to work for the territorial integrity of all Nagas.

ANY INTERIM arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside of the purview of the Indian Constitution per se.

Mr. Isak Chishi Swu

Chairman

NSCN/GPRN

Brig (Retd) S Singnya

Kedaghe (President)

NNC/FGN

Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak

Chairman

GPRN/NSCN

Mr. Th Muivah

General Secretary

NSCN/GPRN

Mr. Zhopra Vero

Kedallo (Vice President)

NNC/FGN

Mr. Kitovi Zhimomi

General Secretary

GPRN/NSCN

August 26, 2011

NAGA CONCORDANT Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.

Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE.

Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government.

To ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders.

The High Level Commission shall be comprised of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/President or the General Secretary/Vice President, and having no less than four competent members in the ranks of Kilonser/Major General and above, as found deemed fit by the respective governments.

To expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.

Mr. Isak Chishi Swu

Chairman

NSCN/GPRN

Brig (Retd) S Singnya

Kedaghe (President)

NNC/FGN

Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak

Chairman

GPRN/NSCN

Mr. Th Muivah

General Secretary

NSCN/GPRN

Mr. Zhopra Vero

Kedallo (Vice President)

NNC/FGN

Mr. Kitovi Zhimomi

General Secretary

GPRN/NSCN

August 20, 2011

NAGA RECONCILIATION:

A JOURNEY OF COMMON HOPE

Nagas longed for genuine reconciliation among us;

and notwithstanding our commitment and support, path to reconciliation remained arduous due to decades of conflict fortified between us.

Nevertheless, our commitment to reconciliation brought us together on August 20, 2011, in Dimapur, Nagaland, in the spirit of openness towards one another and the indispensable necessity of reconciliation for the historical and political cause of the Nagas.

Having met today through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation we wish to inform the Naga that we have honestly shared our personal opinions on the tragic divisions of the past.

We acknowledge that during this time of seperation we have profoundly hurt one another;

and today through this God given opportunity we have expressed how deeply Sorry we are and we have genuinely forgiven each other.

For healing to take place, also take this time to collectively our sincere apology to the Naga people for all the wrongs we have committed in the course of the Naga struggle.

Henceforth.

We declare to the Naga people that we have reconciled before God and fellow human beings and in this spirit of reconciliation we are persuaded to understand each other and work towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our historical and political rights.

Fellow Nagas, in the spirit of love let the past remain the past, and from today, let us toil for our common cause.

Mr. Isak Chishi Swu

Chairman

NSCN/GPRN

Brig (Retd) S Singnya

Kedaghe (President)

NNC/FGN

Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak

Chairman

GPRN/NSCN

August 22, 20ll

STATEMENT

In continuation of the High Level Meeting, the following Leaders have met on August 22, 2011 in the spirit of love, respect and understanding;

and have agreed to strengthen and broaden the peace process based on the "Uniqueness of Naga History."

Mr. Isak Chishi Swu

Chairman

NSCN/GPRN

Brig (Retd) S Singnya

Kedaghe (President)

NNC/FGN

Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak

Chairman

GPRN/NSCN

Mr. Th Muivah

General Secretary

NSCN/GPRN

Mr. Zhopra Vero

Kedallo (Vice President)

NNC/FGN

Mr. Kitovi Zhimomi

General Secretary

GPRN/NSCN

** The Following is a summary of the agreements made during the 5 day meeting**

Reconciled For a Shared Future

Responding to the Naga peoples call for the High Level Reconciliation meeting, top Naga leaders (Isak Swu, Th.

Muivah, Gen. (Retd) Khole Konyak, Kitovi Zhimomi, Brig (Retd) S Singnya, Zhopra Vero) met on August 20, 22, 24, 25 and 26 in Dimapur to strengthen the Naga Reconciliation Process.

During the five-day meeting, the leaders signed four agreements.

The Highlights of the agreements are:

August 20:

Naga leaders acknowledged the hurts caused to each other and have expressed how sorry they are.

In the spirit of reconciliation they have forgiven each other and are now prepared to wort towards a shared Naga future based on the foundation of Naga historical and political rights.

August 22:

Naga leaders in the spirit of love, respect and understanding have agreed to and the peace process based on the "Uniqueness of Naga History."

August 24 and 25:

Naga leaders jointly accorded to six points, which included the point that "ANY INTERM arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside of the purview of the Indian Constitution per se "

August 26:

Naga leaders "have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government."