EKHON | 9 September, 2023
New Delhi: As world leaders gathered in New Delhi for the much hyped G20 Summit, Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) felt compelled to reiterate its appeal for “Nagas’ quest for an honorable and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict” to the international community.
In a press release, NSUD, a conglomerate of Naga students from across the border living in the Capital appealed to the international community for its intervention to resolve the long-pending Indo-Naga political issue which has profound implications for peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region.
Stating that the “conflict is over seven decades old, rooted in historical grievances, and identity, which dates back to India’s pre-independence, and has resulted in significant human suffering, displacement, and loss of life. It said, the Naga people have long sought recognition for their unique cultural and political identity.
NSUD said, “Despite numerous rounds of negotiations for decades, a final agreement has remained elusive. This impasse is not only a matter of concern for the parties involved but also has broader regional and global ramifications. The continuation of this conflict threatens the peace and stability of the Southeast Asian region and undermines the principles of self-determination and conflict resolution that the international community holds dear, reminded the Student’s Union.
It further urges the international community to take a proactive role in facilitating a peaceful and just resolution to the Indo-Naga political talks through mediation and facilitation between the two parties, building of international pressure on the Indian government in the G20 Summit meetings to address the Naga political conflict, monitoring and ensuring accountability through a mechanism of international oversight on the progress of the negotiations.
“The international community possesses valuable experience and expertise in conflict resolution and mediation and therefore, its involvement can provide fresh perspectives and methods to break the deadlock in negotiations by encouraging both parties to commit to upholding international norms, including respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, in any future agreement. The Union is convinced that this can pave the way for a brighter and more peaceful future for all parties involved by facilitating a just and lasting solution which will not only bring lasting peace in the Naga region but will also contribute stability and prosperity in Northeast India as a whole.”
“To this end, the union urges for international actors as impartial mediators for facilitation of constructive dialogue between the Government of India and Naga representatives,” the Union stated.