Nagalim has been a member of the UNPO since 1993. 

The Naga people have a distinct ethnic identity, encompassing a rich tapestry of over 60 tribes, each with its own language, customs, and traditional practices, rooted in the rugged hills of Northeast India and Northwestern Myanmar. Their unique cultural heritage is marked by strong community governance, intricate folklore, and vibrant festivals like the Hornbill Festival, which celebrates their history and unity. 

Despite their distinct ethnic identity, the Nagas face systematic exclusion from meaningful political decision-making processes by the Indian government, which has largely ignored their demands for autonomy and continues to deploy military forces in the region under the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). This act has led to numerous human rights abuses, further marginalizing the Naga people. UNPO and Nagalim worked closely to deliver the historic Framework Agreement in 2015 for peace negotiations with the Indian government, yet this agreement has not yet been implemented. 

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of Naga people as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Nagalim. However, the main organization representing the rights of the people of Nagalim within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). You can read more about the National Socialist Council of Nagaland here.

The Naga people have a rich cultural heritage that traces its roots back to Mongolia, where their ancestors are believed to have originated before migrating to the Nagalim region around the 10th century BC. Nagalim, an expansive territory encompassing the ancestral Naga lands, was historically a unified domain until it was divided by colonial powers between British India and Burma (now Myanmar). This division marked the beginning of a long and complex history of colonization, first under the British Empire and later under India, which inherited control from its colonial predecessor. The Naga people maintain a distinct cultural identity, deeply connected to their land, language, and traditions, which have been preserved through centuries of external influence and control.

The Naga people have consistently asserted their right to self-determination, engaging in a long-standing struggle against various forms of external control. Their resistance began during the British colonial era and has continued into the present day with ongoing engagements with the Indian government. The Naga struggle for autonomy and recognition has seen significant milestones, including landmark agreements like the Framework Agreement of 2015, which was intended to pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Nagalim today is a diverse and culturally vibrant region, spanning approximately 120,000 km² and home to over 4.5 million Nagas. The majority of the population is engaged in agrarian livelihoods, which are deeply rooted in their cultural identity. However, this traditional way of life is increasingly under threat from environmental degradation, exacerbated by both historical exploitation and contemporary unsustainable practices.

The Naga people continue to face significant challenges as they aim for greater autonomy and recognition of their unique cultural and historical identity. The long-standing conflict between Naga groups seeking independence or greater autonomy and the Indian government has led to decades of violence and instability in the region. Despite the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015, which was seen as a hopeful step towards resolving the conflict, the path to peace has been fraught with difficulties. The agreement, while a significant milestone, has not yet resulted in a final settlement, and tensions remain high.

In addition to the political conflict, the Nagalim region faces severe developmental challenges. The area suffers from a lack of infrastructure, including inadequate roads, insufficient access to healthcare and education, and limited economic opportunities. These issues are compounded by environmental concerns, as the region’s traditional agrarian lifestyle is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, deforestation, and the impact of climate change. The Naga people continue to advocate for their rights and seek solutions to these challenges, but progress remains difficult due to the refusal of the Indian government to meaningfully engage with talks.

The situation in Nagalim highlights the broader struggle of indigenous and marginalized peoples in India who seek recognition and the right to self-determination. The Indian government has been criticized for its heavy-handed approach to dealing with these issues, including the use of military force and the implementation of restrictive laws that limit political and civil freedoms. The Naga people, through the NSCN and other organizations, continue to push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the challenges they face are significant and ongoing.

The ongoing struggle of the Naga people underscores the crucial need for the recognition and respect of their right to self-determination. The historical and cultural uniqueness of the Naga identity demands acknowledgment and protection, not just as a matter of justice but as a necessary foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region. The Framework Agreement of 2015, though a significant milestone, remains incomplete. For the Nagas, the full implementation and recognition of this and other agreements with the Indian government are essential for their political, social, and economic rights.

Completing the negotiation process and finalizing a comprehensive agreement would not only honor the commitments made but also bring substantial benefits to both the Naga people and the broader region. A peaceful resolution would pave the way for improved governance, enhanced infrastructure, and economic development, addressing the long-standing issues of poverty, underdevelopment, and environmental degradation. Moreover, it would set a positive precedent for resolving similar conflicts within India and beyond, demonstrating the power of dialogue, respect for indigenous rights, and the pursuit of equitable solutions in achieving sustainable peace.