Text of Cease-fire ground rules agreed upon between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K)

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Country/entity: India
Nagaland
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Text of Cease-fire ground rules agreed upon between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K)
Date: 28 May 2001
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: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: India-Nagaland peace process
Parties: Dr. P.D. Shenoy
Government of India

Mr. Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak
National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K)
Third parties: -
Description: This agreement, applicable only within the State of Nagaland, establishes ground rules, including no offensive operations by either party, joint implementation and enforcement of these rules by the GOI and NSCN-K, and the resolution of implementation issues by a Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) composed of representatives from both sides and a GOI-nominated chairman. This cease-fire aims to foster peace by restricting military actions, specifying conduct towards civilians, and detailing the management and movement of NSCN-K cadres, with the broader goal of promoting the peace process and ensuring public safety and the continuation of governmental and economic activities.

Agreement document: IN_010528_Text of Cease-fire ground rules agreed upon between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K).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: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
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: 8. The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and, State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.
11. The NSCN will refrain from extortions, forcible collection of money and supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials.
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: 15. Security Forces will retain the right to enforce measures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance to peace.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
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: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
8. The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and, State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.
Mobility/access: 8. The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and, State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.
14. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
The NSCN would also act in a manner as not to cause harassment/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population.
It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces Posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.
14. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.
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: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
8. The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and, State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.
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: 9. The NSCN will refrain from extending any form of support or assistance to other militant groups.
11. The NSCN will refrain from extortions, forcible collection of money and supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
The following are the ground rules to be observed by both sides.
1. These ground rules will be valid only for the State of Nagaland.
2. Enforcement of ground rules will be the responsibility of the GOI.
The GOI and the NSCN will jointly implement the ground rules.
Contentious issues relating to the implementation of the ground rules will be resolved by a Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) comprising five representatives each of GOI and NSCN and a Chairman to be nominated by the GOI.
3. The NSCN would not undertake offensive operations like ambush, raid, sniping and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against anybody.
The NSCN would also act in a manner as not to cause harassment/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population.
4. There would be no offensive operations like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police.
However, the Government of India reserves its right to continue operations against all other militant groups who are not a party to the 'Cease-fire'.
5. NSCN will notify to the CFSB, the list of all their camps.
The CFSB would, after due scrutiny, finalise the list of the "designated camps" where all the armed cadres of the NSCN would be located within three months.
6. In the interest of promoting the peace process, there will be no movement in uniform and/or with arms outside "designated camps".
7. Movement of NSCN cadres from one "designated camp" to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the Security Forces and CFSB.
The modalities of this would be finalised by the CFSB.
8. The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and, State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.
10. During the course of the cease-fire, the NSCN will refrain from acquiring any additional arms/ammunition military equipment.
11. The NSCN will refrain from extortions, forcible collection of money and supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials.
13. Patrolling by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore.
However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.
It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces Posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.
14. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.
15. Security Forces will retain the right to enforce measures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance to peace.
Police: 4. There would be no offensive operations like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police.
13. Patrolling by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore.
However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.
It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces Posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.
14. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.
15. Security Forces will retain the right to enforce measures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance to peace.
Armed forces: 4. There would be no offensive operations like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police.
7. Movement of NSCN cadres from one "designated camp" to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the Security Forces and CFSB.
13. Patrolling by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore.
However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.
It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces Posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.
14. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.
15. Security Forces will retain the right to enforce measures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance to peace.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
5. NSCN will notify to the CFSB, the list of all their camps.
The CFSB would, after due scrutiny, finalise the list of the "designated camps" where all the armed cadres of the NSCN would be located within three months.
6. In the interest of promoting the peace process, there will be no movement in uniform and/or with arms outside "designated camps".
7. Movement of NSCN cadres from one "designated camp" to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the Security Forces and CFSB.
The modalities of this would be finalised by the CFSB.
10. During the course of the cease-fire, the NSCN will refrain from acquiring any additional arms/ammunition military equipment.
12. The NSCN will refrain from forcible recruitment of armed cadres.
However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.
It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces Posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: However, the Government of India reserves its right to continue operations against all other militant groups who are not a party to the 'Cease-fire'.
9. The NSCN will refrain from extending any form of support or assistance to other militant groups.
13. Patrolling by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore.
However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: 11. The NSCN will refrain from extortions, forcible collection of money and supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials.
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: No specific mention.

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: Contentious issues relating to the implementation of the ground rules will be resolved by a Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) comprising five representatives each of GOI and NSCN and a Chairman to be nominated by the GOI.
5. NSCN will notify to the CFSB, the list of all their camps.
The CFSB would, after due scrutiny, finalise the list of the "designated camps" where all the armed cadres of the NSCN would be located within three months.
7. Movement of NSCN cadres from one "designated camp" to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the Security Forces and CFSB.
The modalities of this would be finalised by the CFSB.
However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

Text of Cease-fire ground rules agreed upon between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K)

On May 28, the Government of India (GOI) declared a cease-fire agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang for a period of one year.

This followed a round of discussion between the GOI's representatives led by Dr. P.D. Shenoy and representatives of the NSCN-K led by Mr. Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak.

The following are the ground rules to be observed by both sides.

1. These ground rules will be valid only for the State of Nagaland.

2. Enforcement of ground rules will be the responsibility of the GOI.

The GOI and the NSCN will jointly implement the ground rules.

Contentious issues relating to the implementation of the ground rules will be resolved by a Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) comprising five representatives each of GOI and NSCN and a Chairman to be nominated by the GOI.

3. The NSCN would not undertake offensive operations like ambush, raid, sniping and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against anybody.

The NSCN would also act in a manner as not to cause harassment/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population.

4. There would be no offensive operations like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police.

However, the Government of India reserves its right to continue operations against all other militant groups who are not a party to the 'Cease-fire'.

5. NSCN will notify to the CFSB, the list of all their camps.

The CFSB would, after due scrutiny, finalise the list of the "designated camps" where all the armed cadres of the NSCN would be located within three months.

6. In the interest of promoting the peace process, there will be no movement in uniform and/or with arms outside "designated camps".

7. Movement of NSCN cadres from one "designated camp" to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the Security Forces and CFSB.

The modalities of this would be finalised by the CFSB.

8. The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and, State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.

9. The NSCN will refrain from extending any form of support or assistance to other militant groups.

10. During the course of the cease-fire, the NSCN will refrain from acquiring any additional arms/ammunition military equipment.

11. The NSCN will refrain from extortions, forcible collection of money and supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials.

12. The NSCN will refrain from forcible recruitment of armed cadres.

13. Patrolling by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore.

However, patrolling within one Km of the "designated camps" decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them.

It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces Posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.

14. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.

15. Security Forces will retain the right to enforce measures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance to peace.

Source:

Ministry of Home Affairs