The unfinished Naga Peace Process: What does the future hold for the next generation?

Thejavizo VenuhKohimaThe Naga political issue remains one of the longest- running political challenges in India. Despite decades of negotiations, agreements and peace initiatives, a final political settlement remains out of reach. As the process continues, an important question emerges - how long must the next generation wait for a peace that allows them to live with security and confidence in their future?The roots of the Naga political movement can be traced to the Naga Club, formed in 1918. In 1929, it submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission, expressing the desire of the Nagas to determine their own future.The Naga National Council which was formed in 1946 declared Naga independence on 14 August 1947, one day before India achieved independence, which the Government of India refused to recognise.Over the decades, several initiatives sought to resolve the issue. These included the Sixteen - Point Agreement(1960), the Shillong Accord(1975) and, more recently, the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) in 2015, followed by the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) in 2017, raised hopes that a final political settlement was within reach. However, despite years of dialogue, a final and mutually acceptable political solution remains pending.For the younger generation, this prolonged uncertainty is more than a political concern, it is a question of their future. Young Nagas aspire for quality education, meaningful employment, entrepreneurship and the opportunity to secure lives in their homeland. They desire to support their families and contribute to society without being burdened by uncertainty about what lies ahead.Political uncertainty alone does not explain every economic and social challenge facing Nagaland. Nevertheless, a prolonged unresolved political situation can weaken public confidence and long- term planning.Negotiations involving history, sovereignty, constitutional agreements, identity and the interests of multiple communities are undoubtedly complex. However, complexity cannot become a permanent explanation for stagnation. While a lasting political settlement remains elusive, the number of underground groups has reportedly grown to around 30, can sometime contribute to concerns over illegal taxation, exhortation, and other activities that disrupt the lives of ordinary people, deepening divisions and weakening public confidence in the process, placing an even heavier burden on the next generation.So, what does the future hold for the next generation?The answer remains uncertain. The younger generation deserve more than an inherited conflict and an endless promise of peace and final settlement. It deserves the freedom to dream about tomorrow without constantly wondering whether yesterday's struggles will even find a meaningful solution.The Naga peace process cannot remain an unfinished chapter forever. Every delay adds another year of uncertainty to the lives of ordinary people and another question to the minds of the youth. History will remember not only the struggle that was fought, but also whether those entrusted with its resolution had the courage to bring it to a meaningful conclusion.