Isak-Muivah

The term Isak-Muivah refers to the leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), commonly abbreviated as NSCN (IM), one of the most influential insurgent and political groups in India’s North-East. Founded in 1980 by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, the organisation has been at the centre of the Naga nationalist movement for over four decades. The NSCN (IM) has played a decisive role in shaping the modern political discourse surrounding Naga identity, self-determination, and relations with the Indian state.

Background and Formation

The NSCN (IM) originated as a breakaway faction of the Naga National Council (NNC), which was the earliest organisation representing Naga political aspirations. The NNC, under A. Z. Phizo, had initially sought independence for the Naga people following India’s independence in 1947. However, the Shillong Accord of 1975, signed between the Government of India and a section of the NNC, was perceived by many hardline Naga leaders as a betrayal of the movement’s core goal of sovereignty.
In opposition to the Accord, Isak Chishi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah, and S. S. Khaplang formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in 1980. The organisation sought to continue the struggle for Naga self-rule based on the idea of a unified Naga homeland known as Nagalim, which would include Naga-inhabited areas of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of north-western Myanmar.
Internal ideological and tribal differences led to a split in 1988, resulting in two factions — NSCN (IM), led by Isak Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, and NSCN (K), led by S. S. Khaplang. The Isak-Muivah faction went on to become the more politically dominant and internationally recognised group, leading peace negotiations with the Government of India.

Leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah

Isak Chishi Swu (1929–2016) hailed from Nagaland’s Sema (Sumi) tribe. Educated and deeply religious, he combined Christian theological influence with political activism, emphasising moral discipline and unity among the Nagas.
Thuingaleng Muivah, born in 1934 in Somdal village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district, belongs to the Tangkhul Naga tribe. A former member of the NNC, Muivah rose to prominence through his uncompromising stance on sovereignty and his strategic leadership in transforming the Naga movement from a fragmented insurgency into a coherent political force.
Together, Isak and Muivah steered the NSCN (IM) through decades of armed conflict, diplomacy, and negotiation. Their leadership combined a strong sense of nationalism with an understanding of regional geopolitics, which helped sustain the Naga issue on the national and international agenda.

Ideology and Objectives

The NSCN (IM) defines its ideological foundation as “Nagaland for Christ”, blending Christian ethics with socialist principles and Naga nationalism. The group envisions the establishment of a sovereign Naga nation that preserves Naga cultural identity, traditional institutions, and political autonomy.
The concept of Nagalim, central to the NSCN (IM)’s vision, represents a proposed integration of all Naga-inhabited regions under one administrative and political framework. This demand remains one of the most contentious aspects of the Naga peace process, as it involves territorial claims that affect several North-Eastern states.

Armed Struggle and Ceasefire

From the 1980s to the mid-1990s, the NSCN (IM) engaged in sustained armed resistance against Indian security forces. The group operated extensively from bases in Myanmar and maintained links with other insurgent movements in the region.
However, a major turning point came in August 1997, when the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India entered into a ceasefire agreement, marking the beginning of formal peace negotiations. This transition from armed confrontation to dialogue was primarily driven by Isak and Muivah’s strategic vision to secure Naga aspirations through political means rather than continued conflict.

Peace Process and the Framework Agreement

Since 1997, the NSCN (IM) has held multiple rounds of negotiations with successive Indian governments. The most significant development occurred on 3 August 2015, when the NSCN (IM) signed a Framework Agreement with the Government of India. The agreement recognised the “unique history and position of the Nagas” and reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to reach a comprehensive and honourable solution.
Despite this milestone, several critical issues remain unresolved — notably the NSCN (IM)’s demand for a separate Naga flag, Naga constitution, and territorial unification of Naga areas. The group maintains that these elements are non-negotiable symbols of Naga identity and sovereignty.

Significance of the Isak-Muivah Leadership

Under Isak and Muivah’s leadership, the NSCN (IM) evolved from a purely insurgent outfit into a political force capable of sustained diplomatic engagement. Their approach blended ideology, negotiation, and grassroots mobilisation.

• Political Leadership: They succeeded in keeping the Naga issue alive through organised political negotiation rather than purely military confrontation.
• Institutional Development: The NSCN (IM) established administrative structures such as the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN), which functions as a parallel governance system in Naga areas under its influence.
• Cultural Unity: The leadership emphasised pan-Naga unity across tribal lines, an essential factor in maintaining cohesion within a diverse community.

Criticism and Controversies

While the Isak-Muivah leadership is revered among many Nagas, it has also faced criticism. The demand for “Greater Nagalim” has raised concerns among neighbouring states — Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh — over potential territorial realignment. Additionally, internal divisions, accusations of extortion, and human rights concerns have occasionally marred the NSCN (IM)’s image.