THE ONGOING CONFLICTS in Manipur require careful monitoring by the Government of India to prevent further escalation. The tensions and mistrust among the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities have persisted for many years, and a lasting resolution appears difficult without meaningful intervention from the central government. It is essential for the Centre to listen carefully to the grievances, historical claims, and concerns of all communities involved.
Each community presents different historical and territorial claims. The Meitei community maintains that Manipur, historically known as Sanaleibak, is their traditional homeland and that the land belongs to them. The Naga community asserts that the hill areas are their ancestral lands, inherited from their forefathers and preserved through generations. Meanwhile, the Kuki community also claims that the areas where they have settled constitute their ancestral land.
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The claims by different communities have created deep divisions and mistrust among the communities. Because each group presents its own historical narrative and understanding of land ownership, the situation has become highly complex. Therefore, the central government should undertake a thorough and impartial study of these claims through historical research, dialogue with community leaders, and consultation with experts. Such an approach would help in understanding the legitimacy and context of each claim.
In addition, the Centre should seriously consider administrative and political arrangements that could help maintain peace and stability in the region. Some observers and community representatives have suggested that granting separate administrative arrangements or a more decentralized governance structure for the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities may help reduce tensions and allow each group to manage its affairs more effectively.
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Given the significant cultural, historical, and social differences among these communities, a carefully designed administrative framework may contribute to long-term peace and coexistence in the state. Ultimately, sustainable peace in Manipur will depend on inclusive dialogue, mutual understanding, and constructive intervention by the central government to address the legitimate concerns of all communities.
The delay in implementing the Naga Framework Agreement has contributed to rising tensions and conflicts in Manipur. The central government should take full responsibility for addressing the situation in the state.
This open letter is written with a deep sense of urgency, pain, and hope regarding the unresolved Naga political issue one of the oldest and most prolonged political questions in the history of independent India, rooted in the long-standing demand for a separate homeland for the Naga people. If India truly wishes to establish lasting peace in the North East, the Naga political issue must be resolved first, as it is crucial for the stability and better future of both the region and the nation.
While we acknowledge the efforts of the Government of India, including the ceasefire agreements and the 2015 Framework Agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), the absence of a final and inclusive solution continues to create uncertainty and frustration among the people.
Honourable Prime Minister, the Naga people have waited for generations. Many have sacrificed their lives, while others continue to live with uncertainty. Our struggle is not only political- it is about dignity, identity, and a just future.Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, ceasefire agreements, and the much-discussed 2015 Framework Agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), the absence of a final settlement raises a serious concern: how long must a people wait for justice? Agreements without implementation only deepen frustration and erode trust.
One of the most pressing concerns today is the lack of transparency. The people, in whose name these negotiations are carried out, remain largely unaware of the true contents and direction of these agreements. This silence has created confusion, suspicion, and a widening gap between the government and the people.
There is also a growing perception among the people that the prolonged delay reflects a “divide and delay” approach. Therefore, I humbly but firmly urge your government to take immediate and decisive steps:
1. More than 75 years of delay is injustice
- The Naga issue has remained unresolved since before India’s independence.
- Generations have lived and died without seeing a solution. Justice delayed for decades becomes injustice.
- The Naga issue must not remain an unfinished chapter of history. The time to act is now.
2. Repeated agreements without final settlement
- From talks with Naga National Council to the 1997 ceasefire and 2015 Framework Agreement. Yet no final solution has been delivered. The time to act is now, Sir.
3. Nagas suffering due to prolonged uncertainty
- Economic underdevelopment
- Youth unemployment
- Fear, taxation, and instability
The burden of this prolonged delay is not carried by leaders alone; it is borne by ordinary citizens. The people continue to suffer from economic underdevelopment, unemployment, insecurity, and the daily realities of uncertainty. An entire generation has grown up without experiencing true and lasting peace.
The Naga issue should not remain an unfinished chapter of history. Under your leadership, we hope for a resolution that brings peace, justice, and reconciliation for all.
With hope and respect,
Dr W Charengna
(The views expressed are personal. The author can be reached at widinibou@gmail.com)