NSCN-IM Reaffirms Framework Agreement as Basis for Naga Peace Process

PTI, Aug 4, 2026, Kohima : Marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement, NSCN-IM Chairman Q Tuccu on Monday reaffirmed that the August 3, 2015, accord with the Government of India remains the only basis for resolving the Naga political issue, while accusing New Delhi of "delaying" the final settlement.

In a commemorative address issued from the organisation's Council Headquarters at Hebron, Tuccu paid tribute to late Isak Chishi Swu, General Secretary Th. Muivah and other former leaders, crediting their leadership and sacrifices for bringing the Naga political issue to negotiations at the Prime Ministerial level and culminating in the signing of the Framework Agreement.

He claimed that the agreement recognised the Nagas' "unique history of independence" and acknowledged the Naga national entity, adding that it envisaged a new relationship based on peaceful coexistence.

Seeking to clarify what he described as misconceptions surrounding the agreement, Tuccu said the Framework Agreement recognised the Nagas' political identity. He also asserted that the agreement acknowledged the Nagas' rights over their land and resources and envisaged political arrangements, including the proposed Naga Regional Territory Council (NRTC), in Naga-inhabited areas outside Nagaland pending a final resolution of the integration issue.

The NSCN-IM chairman maintained that the Framework Agreement embraces all Nagas and all Naga political groups, and warned that any attempt to pursue a settlement outside its framework would be "a futile exercise."

Expressing concern over the lack of progress since the accord was signed, Tuccu alleged that the Government of India had deliberately delayed the finalisation of the agreement and was attempting to interpret its provisions according to its own interests. He also accused "paid writers" and "propagandists" of spreading misinformation about the agreement.

Reiterating the organisation's position, he said NSCN-IM remained committed to the issues of "Naga sovereignty, territorial integration, national identity and the Framework Agreement", and asserted that the organisation would not allow the accord to be undermined.

Referring to unresolved issues, Tuccu said the questions of the Naga national flag and constitution should be settled through bilateral negotiations, arguing that they were integral to the broader political settlement.

He also alleged that some sections within the establishment were attempting to derail the peace process through delays and accused the Centre of encouraging "surrogate Kuki mercenary forces" against the Nagas. He called on all NSCN-IM cadres, Naga Political Groups and the Naga people to remain united and resist what he termed divisive forces.

Tuccu urged the Naga people to remain steadfast in the movement and invoked God's guidance, saying the Naga political journey should continue with faith and unity.

The Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and NSCN-IM, marking a significant milestone in the decades-long Naga peace process. However, a final political settlement has yet to be concluded.