In a significant public appearance after five decades, Thuingaleng Muivah, leader of the NSCN-IM, reaffirmed on Wednesday, October 22, that the Naga National Flag and Constitution are non-negotiable in the ongoing peace talks with the Government of India (GoI). The 93-year-old leader returned to his native village of Somdal, receiving a heartfelt welcome from thousands of residents as he arrived at Ukhrul headquarters.
Locals adorned in traditional attire lined the streets to greet him, leading to a massive procession from Bakshi Ground to TNL Ground. The entire town came to a standstill, with shops and businesses closed in observance of the occasion. Due to health issues, another NSCN-IM leader delivered Muivah’s speech during the ceremony.
In his statement, Muivah emphasized that any political agreement must align with the “letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué (2002)” and the “Framework Agreement (2015),” which he described as essential for the unity of all Nagas. Reflecting on his revolutionary journey that began in 1964, he noted that the Indo-Naga peace process commenced with a ceasefire on August 1, 1997, and hinges on recognizing Naga political aspirations and unconditional dialogue at the highest level.
Muivah accused the Government of India of betraying the Framework Agreement by failing to acknowledge Naga national symbols. He stated, “The GoI has violated the spirit of the Framework Agreement by denying recognition to the Naga National Flag and Constitution.” Furthermore, he alleged that the Centre is attempting to create divisions among the Naga people to undermine the unity forged through past agreements. He called on the Government of India to honor its commitments to achieve a dignified resolution, asserting, “If the Government of India desires an honorable settlement, it must uphold and respect the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement.”
Reiterating the NSCN-IM’s steadfast commitment, Muivah urged the Naga people to persist in their political struggle until their vision for sovereign recognition under the Naga Flag and Constitution is realized. He also expressed gratitude to the Tangkhul community, civil society organizations, human rights activists, and educational and women’s groups, as well as the Manipur government and local churches for facilitating his long-awaited return home.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-nscn-im-leader-thuingaleng-muivah-reiterates-naga-national-flag-and-constitution-as-non-negotiable-1293818-2025-10-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-10-22 17:00:00
