Thousands of demonstrators converged at the Agri Expo site in Chumoukedima on Tuesday, voicing their collective demand for a political resolution to the long-standing Naga issue. The massive gathering, organized under the banner of the Naga Common Platform (NCP), represented a significant public show of force urging the Central government to deliver on its promises.
Historic Agreements Await Implementation
The rally participants specifically called for the implementation of two crucial agreements: the Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN (IM) in 2015 and the Agreed Position established with the working committee of Naga National Political Groups in 2017. These landmark documents, signed nearly a decade ago, were meant to pave the way for lasting peace in Naga areas but remain unimplemented.
The event saw unprecedented participation from various segments of Naga society, organized jointly by the Nagaland Gaonbura Federation Peace Committee alongside several apex Naga civil society organizations. The scale of the demonstration highlighted the growing public impatience with the delayed political solution.
Three-Point Resolution Adopted Unanimously
During the rally, the Naga Common Platform formally adopted a three-point resolution that unanimously reaffirmed support for the agreements signed with both the NSCN (IM) and the Naga National Political Groups. The resolution poignantly noted that a century of political struggle and 28 years of negotiation have become an unbearable burden for peace-loving citizens.
Hundreds of attendees carried placards bearing powerful messages that read: "Settle Naga political issue for posterity," "Resolve the Naga political issue based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position," and "Stop ignoring Naga political issue." These visual statements underscored the urgent public sentiment.
Voices from the Rally
KK Sema, spokesperson of the Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum, addressed the gathering with emotional urgency. He clarified that the common platform was not intended to challenge any society but to collectively voice the people's exhaustion with the prolonged uncertainty.
"The Naga problem cannot remain unresolved indefinitely," Sema emphasized, pointing out that the 'national tax' imposed by various Naga groups has severely affected the livelihood of ordinary people. "We are here to tell the government to resolve the Naga issue soon — for peace and for the sake of our children. We honestly want peace for our children's future."
Shikuto Zalipu, convener of the organizing committee, raised critical questions about the delayed implementation. "Why has a solution not been delivered to the Naga people despite agreements being signed 10 years ago?" he questioned, echoing the frustration felt across the community.
The Dimapur rally represents a significant moment in the Naga peace process, demonstrating that civil society and ordinary citizens are taking an increasingly active role in demanding political resolution. The massive turnout sends a clear message to policymakers in New Delhi that further delays in implementing the agreed-upon framework will not be acceptable to the Naga people who have waited generations for a lasting political settlement.
