The Shillong Accord of 1975 was an agreement signed between the Government of India, also referred to as the Federal government, or Union government, or Central government of India, and Nagaland's underground government, also referred to as the Naga Federal government, or Naga guerillas, or Naga rebels, to accept the supremacy of Constitution of India without condition, surrender their arms and renounce their demand for the secession of Nagaland from India.
This historic agreement was signed at Shillong, Meghalaya, on 11 November 1975; thus, the name Shillong Accord of 1975.
Representatives
The Indian government was represented by Lallan Prasad Singh, Governor of Nagaland. The governor was assisted by M L Kampani , Joint secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), and by two advisors for Nagaland—M. Ramunny and H. Zopianga. The Nagaland's underground organisations were represented by leaders including I. Temjenba, S. Dahru, Veenyiyl Rhakho, Z. Ramyo, M. Assa, and Kevi Yalie—younger brother of Angami Zapu Phizo, who was then-President of the Naga National Council (NNC) and was in exile in London from 1956 till his death. The Liaison committee of Nagaland Peace Council (NPC) were represented by five church leaders like Longri Ao, M. Aram, L. Lungalang, Kenneth Kerhuo, and Lungshim Shaiza.
Discussions
There were a series of four discussions held with governor alone; at times, assisted by his advisors and Joint secretary of MHA. In all the four discussions held on 10 and 11 November 1975, the representatives from underground government and liaison committee participated.
Agreement details
The outcome of the discussions were compiled into three-point agreement, that ultimately came to be known as historic "Shillong Accord of 1975."
The representatives of the underground organisations conveyed their decision, of their own volition, to accept, without condition, the Constitution of India. It was agreed that the arms, now underground, would be brought out and deposited at appointed places. Details for giving effect of this agreement will be worked out between them and representatives of the Government, the security forces, and members of the Liaison Committee. It was agreed that the representatives of the underground organisations should have reasonable time to formulate other issues for discussion for final settlement.
Signatory details
The "Shillong Accord" was signed on 11 November 1975 at Shillong, by the Governor of Nagaland L.P. Singh representing Indian government and the Nagaland's underground leadership represented by Kevi Yalie, M. Assa, S. Dahru, Veenyiyl Rhakho, and Z. Ramyo.
Supplementary Agreement
A supplementary agreement, detailing the process of depositing arms as per Clause 2 of Shillong Accord of 1975, was signed on 5 January 1976. The agreement included the implementation process of Clause 2, including the modalities for housing the underground members in peace camps.
It was decided that the collection of arms, initially at collection centres, would commence as early as possible, and will be completed by 25 January 1976. Initial places of collection to be decided through discussion between Commissioner, representatives of underground organisations and the members of the Liaison Committee. Once all arms are collected, these will be handed over to Peace Council team at the respective places of collection. Peace Council team will arrange to transport the arms from collection centres to Chedema peace camp and arrange guards, etc., for safe custody of arms. Similar arrangement at agreed place/places will be made in Manipur with the concurrence of the Manipur Government. The underground may stay at peace camps to be established at suitable places, and their maintenance will be arranged only by the Peace Council. Any voluntary contribution from any source will be made to the Peace Council who will utilize the fund according to necessity.
Signatory details
The "Supplementary Agreement" was signed on 5 January 1976 at Shillong, by the Governor of Nagaland L.P. Singh representing Indian government and the Nagaland's underground leadership represented by Biseto Medom Keyho, Pukrove Nakhro, I. Temjenba, and Z. Ramyo.