Nagaland accord historic, unfortunate it took so long, says Modi

Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPHMR) on Monday said it was caught by surprise by the announcement of the peace accord between the government and the NSCN-IM.

With an aim of ending insurgency in Nagaland, government today signed an accord with key outfit NSCN(IM) which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a “historic” step to usher in peace in the state.

Within this framework agreement, details and execution plan will be released shortly.

The rebel group was fighting for an independent homeland for the Naga tribes. It is the oldest and strongest of the almost 30-odd rebel armies operating in the northeast since India’s independence in 1947.

While the ceasefire has held for the past 18 years, it has failed to bring about the desired result since at least four other insurgent groups are still active in Manipur, bordering China.

“I can not say anything about the contents, but the principle which they have signed, I welcome it”, he added.

Speaking at the signing of the “historic” accord, Modi said the event not only marked the “end of a problem, but the beginning of a new future”.

Modi said peace, security and economic transformation of the northeast were among the highest priorities of his government and was at the heart of his foreign policy.

He said there were not many like Mahatma Gandhi, “who loved the Naga people and sensitive to their sentiments. Nagas will forever remember you for your statesmanship”.

“I sincerely thank Shri Isak Swu, Shri Muivah and different Naga leaders for his or her knowledge and braveness”, he added.

Prime Minister Modi pointed out that he had been left deeply impressed by the rich and diverse culture and the unique way of life of the Naga people.

PM Modi while appreciating Naga people’s support to the accord said he has the deepest admiration for the great Naga people for their extraordinary support to the peace efforts.

In his remarks, PM Modi said that the Naga political issue, which lingered on for six decades, took a huge toll on generations of Naga people.