Project Summary

This research project investigates the path from ceasefire to positive peace in the “Indo-Naga” context – one of South Asia’s longest-running yet under-researched conflicts. Since the 1997 ceasefire agreement between the Indian government and the NSCN (IM), direct violence has decreased, but the deeper roots of the conflict remain unresolved. This study aims to investigates how inclusive representation – particularly the roles of women and youth – can help move beyond a state of “negative peace” toward a more just and enduring “positive peace.”

Central to this inquiry is the role of Naga women in both the political movement and the peacebuilding process. While civil society organizations like the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) have long played a key role in advocating for peace and reconciliation, the study also examines the National Socialist Women Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON), the women’s wing of the NSCN (IM). As an integral part of the armed political movement, NSWON represents a unique site of female political engagement that has often been overlooked in scholarly and policy discussions. This research explores how women’s contributions – whether through civil society or within political factions – offer new possibilities for inclusive peace.

Equally vital is the engagement of Naga youth, particularly through the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the apex student body representing diverse Naga tribes. Youth are not only critical stakeholders in the future of the Naga society but also powerful agents of change. Their active participation brings fresh perspectives, a strong sense of justice, and openness to reimagining peace beyond factional and generational divides. The study explores how youth engagement can invigorate the stalled peace process and serve as a catalyst for long-term transformation.

Employing a mixed-methods approach, including in-depth interviews, surveys, and case studies, the project draws from diverse voices across gender, age, and tribal lines. By highlighting the roles of underrepresented groups, it seeks to generate actionable insights for policymakers, scholars, and peace practitioners.

This project contributes to understanding how inclusive, community-driven approaches can help overcome entrenched divisions and lay the foundation for a positive peace - both in the Naga context and in other post-conflict regions around the world.

Shonreiphy Longvah Bio

Shonreiphy Longvah is Associate Professor of Political Science at St. Joseph University, Nagaland. With a PhD in Political Science from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from ICSSR, her academic interests center on peace and conflict studies, Gandhian thought, human security, and Naga political movement. She has published significantly on Northeast Indian politics, particularly the “Indo-Naga” political conflict and the subsequent peace process, and has participated in numerous national and international seminars. A committed educator and researcher, Longvah has supervised doctoral, MPhil, and postgraduate research.

Somingam Mawon Bio

Somingam Mawon is Associate Professor of Political Science at St. Joseph University, Nagaland. With a PhD in Culture and Creative Studies from North-Eastern Hill University, his interdisciplinary research spans Naga politics, gender, ethnic identity, folklore, and human security. Mawon brings over a decade of teaching and research experience, and has contributed extensively to scholarship on Northeast India through numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. His work is particularly noted for bridging cultural studies and political analysis, with a focus on indigenous knowledge systems and community narratives. He has also actively coordinated academic programs, supervised doctoral and postgraduate research, and played key roles in curriculum development and institutional initiatives.

Shonreiphy Longvah’s CV

Somingam Mawon’s CV