There is no doubt that the framework agreement for peace, signed on August 3 between the Centre and the Nationalist Social Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), is historic as well as welcoming as a precursor to finding lasting peace in conflict-ridden northeast India. However, by choosing not to reveal the terms of agreement, it has raised speculation of a hidden agenda, particularly in Nagaland’s neighbouring states, Manipur and Arunchal Pradesh, which have sizeable Naga population.

NSCN(IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah hails from Manipur where the latest accord is being viewed with intense suspicion in respect of the state’s territorial integrity.

While NSCN(IM)’s persistent demand for some kind of sovereignty finds no opposition even in Manipur, the demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast under one single administrative unit is vehemently objected to in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The three states are against any move to re-drawing of their maps to create a greater Nagaland or Nagalim.