The political landscape in Nagaland is once again witnessing a surge in demands for sovereignty, as the Modi-led BJP government continues to neglect the long-standing Indo-Naga conflict. The much-publicized 2015 Framework Agreement, initially celebrated as a landmark step toward resolving the Naga issue, has now been exposed as a hollow political stunt designed to gain electoral mileage. With the BJP prioritizing global diplomacy over pressing internal disputes, indigenous communities in Nagaland find themselves betrayed and marginalized, reigniting their struggle for self-determination.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has meticulously crafted an image of India as a global peace mediator, frequently positioning himself as a statesman resolving international conflicts. However, this diplomatic spectacle starkly contrasts with his government’s complete disregard for unresolved domestic insurgencies, particularly in the Northeast. The Naga struggle for autonomy, which has persisted for over seven decades, remains one of India’s most complex internal conflicts. While Modi jets off to global summits preaching peace, the BJP government continues to suppress the legitimate political aspirations of Nagaland. The Framework Agreement signed in 2015 between the Indian government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) was initially perceived as a beacon of hope. However, eight years later, its implementation remains elusive. The government’s refusal to publicly disclose the contents of the agreement only deepens suspicions that it was never meant to be honored in full. This calculated deception has fueled frustration among the Nagas, pushing them toward renewed resistance.
Delhi’s political maneuvering concerning Nagaland has been consistently marked by duplicity. The BJP, despite its lofty promises of granting autonomy, has actively sidelined the legitimate demands of the Naga people. Instead, it has focused on maintaining superficial control over the region while engaging in performative diplomacy on the global stage. The central government’s strategic silence on the deteriorating Naga peace process exposes its selective approach to minority rights. While the BJP aggressively mediates external conflicts and champions Hindu nationalist rhetoric domestically, it deliberately undermines the political aspirations of India’s indigenous communities. This selective activism reflects a broader pattern of the BJP’s governance, wherein political alliances and religious identity dictate policy priorities, often at the cost of minority rights and regional stability.
In response to the government’s apathy, the NSCN-IM has intensified its calls for resistance. The group has repeatedly accused the Modi administration of using the Framework Agreement as a diversionary tactic rather than a genuine effort to grant autonomy. The failure to translate promises into action has eroded trust, leading to an increase in anti-Delhi sentiments and a resurgence in separatist rhetoric.
Given India’s systematic failure to address the Naga issue, there is a growing clamor for third-party mediation. Historically, India has resisted international involvement in its internal conflicts, citing sovereignty concerns. However, the Naga insurgency is no longer a mere “internal disturbance”; it is a protracted conflict with deep historical grievances that require impartial mediation. The BJP’s reluctance to acknowledge the Indo-Naga conflict as a legitimate sovereignty dispute is a major roadblock to resolution. By refusing to engage transparently and honestly with the stakeholders, the Indian government has left the Nagas with little choice but to seek external diplomatic intervention. The call for international mediation is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of India’s repeated betrayals and broken promises.
The Modi government’s failure to address the Naga issue poses a serious risk to regional stability. The Northeast has long been a hotbed of insurgency, with multiple ethnic groups demanding autonomy or outright secession. By ignoring the grievances of the Nagas, the BJP is inadvertently fueling wider discontent, which could lead to renewed armed conflicts across the region. Furthermore, the deliberate sidelining of indigenous political rights could trigger a domino effect, emboldening other marginalized communities to challenge Delhi’s authority. With India already facing diplomatic challenges on multiple fronts, a full-fledged insurgency in Nagaland would add another layer of complexity to its already strained governance apparatus.
The path forward requires a drastic shift in approach. Firstly, the Indian government must publicly clarify the terms of the Framework Agreement and commit to a time-bound roadmap for its implementation. Secondly, direct negotiations with all stakeholders, including the NSCN-IM, should resume with a renewed focus on honoring indigenous aspirations. Finally, the demand for a separate flag and constitution must be approached with sensitivity rather than outright dismissal, ensuring that dialogue remains constructive rather than adversarial. Without immediate corrective action, the BJP risks permanently alienating the Naga people, pushing them toward a renewed struggle for sovereignty. Modi’s diplomatic ambitions may earn him international applause, but his government’s failures at home expose a stark contradiction—one that India can no longer afford to ignore.