The long-standing Naga peace process has reached a critical turning point as 91-year-old rebel leader Tharoor Muivah intensifies pressure on the Narendra Modi-led central government. The veteran Naga nationalist, who leads the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), has brought the decades-old conflict back into the spotlight through strategic moves that have Delhi concerned.
Why Now? The Timing Behind Muivah's Strategic Push
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Muivah's recent actions stem from growing frustration over the stalled implementation of the historic 2015 Framework Agreement. Signed with much fanfare during Modi's first term, the agreement was supposed to pave the way for a final settlement to Asia's longest-running insurgency.
"The Nagas have waited patiently for eight years since the Framework Agreement," a senior NSCN-IM leader disclosed. "Muivah, at 91, feels time is running out to secure the legitimate rights of the Naga people."
The Core Stumbling Blocks: What's Holding Back the Deal?
Several key issues continue to derail progress in the delicate negotiations:
- Separate Naga Flag and Constitution: The NSCN-IM insists these are non-negotiable symbols of Naga identity and sovereignty
- Integration of Naga-inhabited areas: The demand to unite Naga territories across Northeast states remains contentious
- Power-sharing arrangements: Disagreements persist over the extent of autonomy and governance structures
Modi Government's Dilemma: Balancing Peace and Political Realities
The Centre finds itself walking a tightrope. While genuinely seeking to resolve the Naga issue, the government faces political constraints and opposition from state governments in the region. The 2024 general elections add another layer of complexity to the timing of any major announcement.
"The government wants a solution, but not at the cost of creating instability in other Northeastern states," explained a senior Home Ministry official familiar with the negotiations.
Muivah's Legacy: The Man Who Defined Naga Resistance
At 91, Tharoor Muivah represents the living history of the Naga struggle. As the last surviving founding member of the NSCN-IM, he carries the weight of generations of Naga aspirations. His advanced age adds urgency to the current impasse, with many wondering if this might be the final opportunity for a comprehensive settlement under his leadership.
The coming months will be crucial for the Naga peace process. With Muivah turning up the heat and the Modi government weighing its options, both sides appear to be testing each other's resolve in what could be the endgame of a conflict that has lasted more than seven decades.
