Govt in peace deal with Nagaland insurgent group NSCN-IM

In a significant development, the Narendra Modi government on Monday signed a historic Naga peace deal with northeast-based insurgent group National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).

The deal was inked at 7 RCR in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.

"Peace and economic transformation of northeast has been my top priority…the Naga problem took long to resolve because we did not understand each other," said PM Modi.

Earlier, NSCN-IM leader Muivah said that the group and the Indian government had "come close to understand each other under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

"To make the accord meaningful, expectations of people need to be fulfilled...Nagas can be trustworthy and can be taken into confidence for any policy," he further said.

According to a statement released by the government, "This agreement will end the oldest insurgency in the country. It will restore peace and pave the way for prosperity in the North East. It will advance a life of dignity, opportunity and equity for the Naga people, based on their genius and consistent with the uniqueness of the Naga people and their culture and traditions."

"The sustained dialogue between the two sides, conducted in a spirit of equality, respect and trust, deepened their mutual understanding and confidence, and enabled the two sides to reach an equitable agreement. The Government of India recognized the unique history, culture and position of the Nagas and their sentiments and aspirations. The NSCN understood and appreciated the Indian political system and governance."

"The Government interlocutor also held frequent consultations with broad spectrum of Naga leaders, including those from the traditional tribal bodies, civil society, youth and students’ bodies, women’s groups, elected representatives and other stakeholders. These consultations helped in distilling the popular aspirations of the Naga people and in enhancing a healthy atmosphere of trust and understanding." said the government statement.

Later, Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to communicate that he had spoked to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the Governor and Chief Minister of Nagaland after signing the deal. The PMO Twitter handle further tweeted that PM Modi had also talked to political leaders across party lines, including Left's Sitaram Yechury, BSP chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.