In a powerful display of public sentiment, thousands of Nagas gathered in Chumoukedima on Tuesday to urge both the Government of India and Naga negotiators to deliver an early and comprehensive solution to the long-standing Indo-Naga political issue. The event, held at the Agri Expo grounds and organised by the Nagaland Gaon Buras Federation in collaboration with several apex civil society organisations, marked a significant moment of collective resolve amid decades of negotiations and internal complexities.

At the heart of the rally was the Naga Common Platform (NCP), which unanimously passed three resolutions aimed at breaking the long political deadlock and steering the Indo-Naga peace process towards its long-awaited conclusion. The resolutions reflect widespread public frustration with the 28 years of ongoing negotiations, as well as renewed demands for transparency, unity, and urgency.

Endorsement of Historic Peace Agreements

The Naga Common Platform reiterated its full support for the landmark agreements that form the backbone of current negotiations: the 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (Isak-Muivah), and the 2017 Agreed Position reached with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). These agreements, widely regarded as foundational documents for an eventual settlement, were reaffirmed at the rally as essential tools for achieving lasting peace across Naga areas.

The NCP appealed to the Centre to honour these accords and to deliver a political settlement anchored in the commitments and principles outlined in the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position. According to the Platform, such a settlement must ensure stability, dignity, and long-term peace for Naga communities, who have borne the weight of more than a century of political struggle.

Call for Conclusion of the Peace Process

A recurring theme throughout the rally was fatigue—fatigue from decades of conflict, negotiations without resolution, and the heavy socio-economic burdens placed upon ordinary citizens. The NCP stated that the prolonged uncertainty has affected every segment of Naga society, leading to a growing sense of urgency and dissatisfaction.

The resolutions called upon both New Delhi and the Naga negotiators to heed the voices of the people and bring the peace talks to their “logical conclusion” without further delay. They emphasised that the continued stalemate threatens to deepen divisions and prolong suffering.

The three-point resolutions were signed by Shikuto Zalipu, Convener of the NCP’s Organising Committee, along with secretaries Akhu Naga and Zanbenthung Ezung, as well as several prominent Naga leaders. Their signatures represented a unified front, despite ongoing disagreements within different tribal and political bodies.

Attendance Despite Tribal Boycott

Notably, the rally took place despite the absence of several major tribal outfits. The Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee (NTHCC)—comprising influential bodies such as the Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Lotha Hoho, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sümi Hoho, and the Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation—had earlier announced its decision to abstain.

The NTHCC argued that the creation of a parallel platform like the NCP could undermine ongoing reconciliation and unity-building efforts among Naga stakeholders. It reaffirmed its commitment to forging a collective political future for the Naga people through cooperation, rather than through splintered initiatives.

However, despite these concerns and calls for non-participation, thousands of people still converged at the rally, signalling strong grassroots support for a more urgent, consolidated effort toward peace.

Voices from the Ground: Need for Transparency and Unity

Addressing the gathering, organising committee member K. K. Sema highlighted some of the most pressing challenges facing the Naga political movement today. He pointed to the fragmentation within the movement, with multiple factions and ideologies creating obstacles to unity. Sema also raised concerns about the proliferation of illicit taxation imposed by different groups—an issue that has long troubled local businesses and communities.

Most importantly, Sema criticised the lack of transparency in the ongoing negotiations. He urged the NSCN and other negotiating entities to be open with their own people, insisting that the destiny of Nagas cannot be shaped behind closed doors. His remarks struck a chord with many attendees who expressed similar concerns about opaque decision-making processes.

Multiple speakers throughout the event echoed this call for an early, honourable, and transparent political solution. They stressed that peace cannot be delayed indefinitely, especially at a time when socio-economic aspirations of Naga youth and the broader population continue to evolve.

A Moment of Reckoning for the Indo-Naga Peace Process

Tuesday’s rally represents more than another public statement—it marks a growing insistence from Naga citizens that the long journey toward political settlement must move forward decisively. The participation of thousands, even amid internal disagreements, underscores that the demand for peace is widespread and deeply felt.

The Centre, alongside Naga political groups, now faces mounting pressure to break the impasse that has defined negotiations for nearly three decades. With stakeholders increasingly vocal about their expectations, the coming months may prove crucial in determining whether the peace process gains momentum or continues to linger in uncertainty.

For many Nagas, the message is clear: the time for delay has passed. The time for resolution—and a new chapter of lasting peace—must begin now.