Isak-Muivah Faction

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak–Muivah) faction, widely known as NSCN-IM, is a Naga nationalist organisation based primarily in the northeastern region of India. It represents one of the most influential insurgent movements in the area, advocating political autonomy and recognition of Naga identity. The group’s long-standing objective has been the creation of a sovereign Naga homeland, often referred to as “Greater Nagalim”, encompassing Naga-inhabited regions of India and parts of Myanmar.

Background

The Naga political movement began during the British colonial period, when the Naga people sought to preserve their distinct cultural and political identity. After India’s independence in 1947, the Naga National Council (NNC) under the leadership of Angami Zapu Phizo declared that the Nagas did not wish to join the Indian Union. This led to decades of insurgency and armed resistance in the region.In 1975, the Shillong Accord was signed between a section of NNC leaders and the Government of India. The agreement stated that the Nagas would accept the Indian Constitution, a decision that many Naga nationalists viewed as a betrayal of their cause. The dissatisfaction with the Shillong Accord eventually led to the formation of new insurgent organisations seeking to continue the struggle for self-determination.

Formation and Split

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was established on 31 January 1980 by Isak Chishi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah, and S. S. Khaplang. The group rejected the Shillong Accord and pledged to carry forward the demand for complete sovereignty. However, tribal and leadership differences led to a major split within the organisation in 1988, resulting in the formation of two factions: NSCN-IM (Isak–Muivah) and NSCN-K (Khaplang). The Isak–Muivah faction became the more dominant of the two and continued to operate from its strongholds in Nagaland, Manipur, and along the India–Myanmar border.

Objectives and Ideology

The NSCN-IM advocates the idea of “Greater Nagalim”, a political concept that seeks to integrate all Naga-inhabited areas of India and Myanmar into a single administrative and political unit. The group’s ideology is rooted in the preservation of Naga identity, history, and self-rule. Its core demands include:

• Recognition of the unique history and identity of the Naga people.
• A distinct constitution and national flag for Nagaland.
• Greater autonomy and self-governance under a federal relationship with India, if full sovereignty is unattainable.

The organisation envisions a socialist framework for governance, influenced by Christian principles and Naga tribal traditions.

Organisational Structure and Operations

The NSCN-IM is structured into political and military wings. The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) serves as its political front, with a hierarchy that includes ministries and administrative departments. The Naga Army constitutes its military wing, which has historically conducted armed operations, training, and recruitment across the Naga-inhabited regions.The group’s leadership was long dominated by Isak Chishi Swu (Chairman) and Thuingaleng Muivah (General Secretary). After Swu’s death in 2016, Muivah assumed primary leadership of the organisation.

Ceasefire and Peace Process

In 1997, the NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, marking the beginning of a formal peace process. The truce ended decades of intense armed conflict and opened the path for dialogue. Numerous rounds of peace talks followed, both in India and abroad, with the aim of achieving a lasting political solution.A major step forward was the Framework Agreement signed on 3 August 2015 between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM. The agreement acknowledged the unique history of the Naga people and their right to self-determination within the Indian Union. However, despite this progress, disputes persist over the issues of the Naga flag, constitution, and the proposed integration of Naga-inhabited territories.

Political Significance and Regional Impact

The NSCN-IM plays a central role in shaping the political discourse of Nagaland and neighbouring states. It has remained a dominant voice in negotiations concerning Naga aspirations and tribal rights. The peace process with the NSCN-IM has far-reaching implications for regional stability, governance, and inter-ethnic relations in the northeastern region.The demand for territorial integration under Greater Nagalim affects several Indian states, including Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam, leading to apprehension among non-Naga communities. This territorial aspect has been one of the most contentious issues in the peace talks.

Criticism and Challenges

The NSCN-IM has faced criticism from both within and outside the Naga community. Key concerns include:

• Prolonged negotiations: Decades of dialogue have failed to yield a final settlement, causing disillusionment among the populace.
• Factionalism: Splits within Naga insurgent groups have weakened the unity of the movement and led to violent clashes among factions.
• Extortion and taxation: The group has been accused of imposing illegal “taxes” on local businesses and government employees, affecting public trust.
• Ethnic tension: The aspiration for Greater Nagalim overlaps with territories inhabited by other ethnic groups, creating friction and occasional conflict, especially in Manipur.

Contemporary Developments

In recent years, the NSCN-IM has adopted a more diplomatic stance, focusing on political dialogue rather than armed confrontation. Its leaders have engaged in discussions with successive Indian governments, urging an honourable and inclusive settlement. However, as of the mid-2020s, a final agreement remains elusive due to divergent interpretations of the Framework Agreement and differing political priorities.The group’s influence has also been challenged by emerging Naga organisations and a new generation of leaders advocating peace, reconciliation, and development within the Indian constitutional framework.