NSCN (IM) “Patiently” and “Successfully” Negotiating with Centre for 28 Years, Says Muivah

PTI, IMPHAL / SENAPATI, OCTOBER 29, 2025 : NSCN (IM) supremo Th. Muivah on Wednesday emphasized that his organization has “patiently and successfully” negotiated with the Government of India for the past 28 years, following the ceasefire agreement signed in 1997 after over 80 rounds of talks spanning 18 years. Muivah was speaking at a function in Senapati town, where he expressed his gratitude to the Naga people for their support and acknowledgment of the political steps taken by the NSCN/GPRN during the ongoing political negotiations.

Muivah, now 91 years old, reiterated the historical significance of the ceasefire agreement and the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, which sought to bring a lasting peace to Nagaland. He emphasized that both he and his late colleague, Isak Chishi Swu, had signed the Framework Agreement, which he urged should not be violated or tarnished.

The Naga insurgency, which began shortly after India’s independence in 1947, has seen decades of armed struggle, with the NSCN (IM) representing the political aspirations of the Naga people. The ceasefire in 1997 marked a significant step toward peace after years of violence.

Muivah also noted that the NSCN (IM) had demonstrated “great endurance and perseverance” in negotiations with the Centre. Despite the long talks, the primary demand of the NSCN (IM) for a separate flag and constitution for Nagaland has not been accepted by the Indian government, leading to prolonged discussions.

The Framework Agreement aimed to address the political aspirations of the Naga people, but the issue of a separate Naga flag and constitution remains a major point of contention. The government’s refusal to grant these demands has slowed down the peace process, and subsequently, parallel negotiations with the Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) began in 2017, leading to the Agreed Position signed on November 17 of the same year.

Muivah’s message was read out by senior leader VS Atem at the event, where thousands of Naga people welcomed the leader. The cultural programme that followed highlighted the strong support for Muivah and the NSCN (IM).

Muivah’s visit to the Naga-majority Senapati district in Manipur also marked a symbolic gesture of unity and continued resolve. He arrived by helicopter from his native village of Somdal in Ukhrul district.

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, also reiterated its stance on finding an “honourable and acceptable solution” to the Naga political issue, based on the Framework Agreement. The UNC remains committed to ensuring that the political aspirations of the Naga people are addressed in the ongoing talks with the Centre.