Citation

Goswami N. Global Change Peace Secur. 2010; 22(1): 93.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/14781150903488020

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Naga intra-community dialogue is one of the most distinctive community-based dialogue processes in the world for the prevention, management and resolution of violent ethnic conflicts. Ongoing since the 1950s, the Naga dialogue has gained strong momentum since 2000 as a result of its growing capacity to address issues of violence and security in Naga-inhabited areas in India. The dialogue enjoys popular support as the formal ceasefire agreements between the Union Government and the Naga militant actors have failed to address issues of inter-factional violence and civilian deaths. The article argues that the Naga intra-community dialogue enjoys legitimacy in Naga society due to its representative character and visible impact in controlling the 'escalation' of violence in society. The article also argues that the formal Naga peace negotiations between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah-NSCN (IM) will become more effective and inclusive in character if it is firmly rooted in the community based Naga dialogue.