PMINDIA
The Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) successfully concluded the dialogue on Naga political issue, which has existed for six decades, and signed an agreement today in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Government’s Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, Shri R. N. Ravi, signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government of India. Shri Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman and Shri Th. Muivah, General Secretary were the signatories on behalf of the NSCN. The entire top leadership of the NSCN (IM), including all members of the “collective leadership”, has fully endorsed the agreement and was present during the ceremony.
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.
Attempts were made from time to time to resolve the issue through discussion with representatives of the Naga people. A fresh attempt for a comprehensive resolution was initiated with the NSCN in 1997.
The new Government on assuming power in May 2014 accorded highest priority to this lingering problem. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has on a number of occasions, including during visits to the Northeast region, articulated his vision for transforming the Northeast and has attached the highest priority to peace, security, connectivity and economic development in the region. This has also been at the heart of the Government’s foreign policy, especially ‘Act East’ Policy.
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.
In his statement at the signing ceremony, the Hon’ble Prime Minister lauded the courage and wisdom of the Naga leaders and civil society and thanked them for their co-operation in reaching the agreement. He also praised the Naga people for their support and the NSCN for maintaining the ceasefire for nearly two decades that enabled the dialogue to succeed. Prime Minister spoke of his vision for the transformation of the Northeast region. He also expressed confidence that the agreement will open a glorious new chapter for the Naga people to build a bright future for Nagaland and also contribute to the nation with a sense of pride and confidence.
Shri Th. Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN, narrated the history of Nagas’ struggle and thanked the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his vision and resolve, which made it possible for the Government of India and the NSCN to reach an honourable settlement.
Within this framework agreement, details and execution plan will be released shortly.
Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser, Shri Ajit Doval and other high dignitaries of the Government of India were present.
The NSCN was represented by its entire collective leadership and senior leaders of various Naga tribes.
My warm greetings to all those present here today on this historic occasion: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/JN3abcCX1g
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I wish that Shri Isak Swu, who played a leading role in reaching this agreement, was present today: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
The Naga political issue had lingered for six decades, taking a huge toll on generations of our people: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I sincerely thank Shri Isak Swu, Shri Muivah and other Naga leaders for their wisdom and courage: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I have the deepest admiration for the great Naga people for their extraordinary support to the peace efforts: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
My relationship with the North East has been deep. I have travelled to Nagaland on many occasions: PM https://t.co/JN3abcCX1g
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I have been deeply impressed by the rich and diverse culture and the unique way of life of the Naga people: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
The Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent the highest levels of humanism: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
Unfortunately, the Naga problem has taken so long to resolve because we did not understand each other: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
Since becoming Prime Minister last year, peace, security & economic transformation of North East has been amongst my highest priorities: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I asked my office to supervise these talks and I personally kept in touch with the progress: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I want to especially thank my senior colleague Home Minister Shri @BJPRajnathSingh whose support and advice was invaluable: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
I join the nation in saluting you and conveying our good wishes to the Naga people: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
Violence has never solved any problem : PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/NspJpQj7f1
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 3, 2015
Today, we mark not merely the end of a problem but the beginning of a new future. #Nagaland http://t.co/23SUObuL4T pic.twitter.com/35x4ih8qQN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2015