Open letter to India's Prime Minister about Nagaland peace talk

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This is a joint statement written by our member the Asia Indigenous Peoples' Pact (AIPP) together with the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA). It is originally published on Morung Express.

With due respect, we would like to express our grave concern regarding the recent development on the Indo-Naga peace talks. All over the world, we are much aware of the consequences when peace negotiations break down and conflict resumes. It is, therefore, with a great sense of urgency that we appeal to you for your political wisdom.

Mr. Prime Minister, we believe that durable peace is reached only when utmost political effort, along with equal participation is made by all parties concerned. We also strongly believe that such efforts must include vigorous consultations with and participation of civil society of both India and the Nagas to generate social and political transformation and peaceful co-existence.

We have observed and acknowledge India for initiating the peace talks on one of the longest political struggles in Asia at the Prime Ministerial level without any preconditions. This demonstrates the courage and visionary leadership of India.

The negotiations have continued for the last 22 years, and we are aware that deep seated political issues require patience and determination to reach its acceptable conclusion. We believe that recognizing the unique history of the Naga people and the subsequent signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 have laid down the basis for translating the inherent rights of the Nagas into a mutually agreed upon political settlement with the Government of India. We recognize that this is a historic achievement under your leadership.

The people of India and the Naga people deeply yearn for peace.

Mr. Prime Minister, we therefore, appeal to you for your wisdom and political will; and to not withdraw from the negotiation as well as look beyond the signing of an agreement that is not grounded on political consent and will of the Naga People. We look forward to seeing the settling of the Indo-Naga political issue grounded on democratic values and principles so peace may become a reality under your leadership for the benefit of all.

Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP), Thailand
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), Denmark

Undersigned;

  1. Minority Rights Group (MRG), UK
  2. Forest Peoples’ Programme (FPP), UK
  3. International Land Coalition (ILC), Asia
  4. NGO-Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities (NGO-FONIN). Nepal
  5. Kirat Youth Society, Nepal
  6. Active Society Nepal
  7. Indigenous Nationalities Women Youth Network (INWYN), Nepal
  8. People Unity Young Society, Nepal
  9. Youth Awareness Society Nepal
  10. Kirat Chamling Language Culture Development Association, Nepal
  11. Integrated Program for the Development of the Pygmy People (PIDP), DR Congo
  12. Fundaciòn para la Promociòn del Conocimiento Indìgena (FPCI), Panama
  13. Asian Indigenous Women's Network (AWIN), Phillipines
  14. The Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Malaysia
  15. Center for Sustainable Development in Mountainous Areas, (CSDM) Vietnam
  16. Devasish Roy, Chakma Raja & Chief of Chakma Circle, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
  17. Centro Juventude Covalima (CJC) Timor-Leste
  18. Shimin Gaikou Centre (Citizens' Diplomatic Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), Japan
  19. Four Freedoms Forum, Goshen, Indiana
  20. International Indian Treaty Council, Tucson, Arizona
  21. Lawyers' Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP), Nepal
  22. Bangladesh Adivasi Forum (BAF) Bangladesh.
  23. Unissons-nous pour la Promotion des Batwa (UNIPROBA), BURUNDI, Africa
  24. Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Phillipines
  25. Adivasi Navjewan Gathan Navjyoti Agua (ANGNA), India
  26. NIPT (Network of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand), Thailand
  27. The Borok People's Human Rights Organisation (BPHRO), India
  28. Karbi Human Rights Watch, India
  29. Kapaeeng Foundation, Bangladesh
  30. Vietnam Indigenous Knowledge network – VTIK, Vietnam
  31. National Indigenous Disabled Women Association (NIDWAN), Nepal
  32. Zo Indigenous Forum, India
  33. Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services, Philippines
  34. Adivasi Women's Network, India
  35. William Nicholas Gome, Human Rights Activist and Freelance Journalist, UK
  36. International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), Phillipines
  37. Incomindios (International cmCommittee for imIndigenous Peoples of the Americas), Zurich
  38. Naga Women's Union, India
  39. Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Nepal
  40. Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples and Civic Diplomacy «Young Karelia», Russian Federation
  41. Opensource, India
  42. SONIA for a Just New World, Italy