Describe the circumstances in which Nagas signed the Shillong Accord. Why Shillong Accord could not bring peace in Nagaland? Discuss.

Model Answer:
A number of circumstances prevailed during 1970s that eventually led to the signing of the Shillong Accord on November 11, 1975.Firstly, the eastern wing of Pakistan was clipped in 1972 and Bangladesh was born. The underground Nagas were deprived of safe sanctuary after this. Secondly, the Indira Gandhi government imposed emergency in the country and security forces got a free hand to deal with situation. Thirdly, the Kashmir problem appeared to have settled and the underground Nagas pondered over if they should follow path of Sheikh Abdullah. Fourthly, the people of Sikkim voted in favour of joining India in a referendum and Sikkim became a part of India in 1975.
The Shillong Accord was a 16 point agreement between Indian government and Naga National council. The ambiguous nature of the agreement soon faded into irrelevance. The terms of this agreement had stipulated that underground Naga organisations would give up arms and “formulate other issues for discussion for final settlement”. This accord was rejected as a sell-out to the Indian government and further the Naga rebels demand creation of a ‘Greater Nagaland’ or Nagalim, whose territory not only consists of current Nagaland state but also Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and some portions Myanmar.

Topics: GS-II: Mechanisms Laws for Protection of Vulnerable Sections