Why, What, Where, Which, When; approach and questioning, outlines the fundamental basis on which analysis of a situation provides profound insights and possible way forward. It is however essential to draw certain terms of reference and boundary’s to clearly spell out the context. The paradoxical political situation in which Nagaland finds itself is the context where these 5Ws are being applied. Why- Why is it that the Naga Political Crisis exists and the solution has not yet been found? The demand for a separate Naga identity has been a historic one, having a century old genesis dating back to the representation made to Simon Commission in 1929 and reinforced by the plebiscite of 1951.So is it that no water has flown since then? There have been definitive efforts and attempts made. The recognition of the unique identity was attempted and ensured in the Hydari agreement of 1947, and the inception of Article 371 A later in the constitution. It is a different ball game to understand the reasons why it has failed to fulfill the aspirations and sentiments of the people. However, a careful dissection of the provisions of Article 371A leads to the conclusion that the identity has been protected in Nagaland with regards to customs, procedures, administration of justice and social and religious practices, however not in the other Naga Inhabited areas of North East. Thus it may be safe to dispassionately state that this existential crisis is primarily precipitated by Outsiders of Nagaland and not by Nagas of Nagaland. What- So what has it led to? The core demand of ensuring a Naga identity which is sovereign and encompasses all Naga areas led to the creation of pan Naga organisations of NNC, Naga HOHO and emergence of National workers who championed this cause and thereby evoked legitimacy from the society. The demand for sovereignty and unification of all Naga Areas resulted in confrontation with the Centre which construed it to be a challenge to its constitutional authority. This confrontation has continued for seven decades in different phases and intensity of violence. What has to be done? Tribal Unity and convergence of thought and purpose is essential. Pragmatic and critical analysis of what we already have been granted is required to be done by the Naga intelligentsia. Article\371A is a very powerful empowerment tool which if used and understood correctly will result in gratification of many a core demands. Awakened citizens who challenge the status quo of seven decades and demand change for peace will be the key drivers. Where – Will it lead to? The present impasse does not seem to end soon. We are looking into years of more negotiations as it seems to be comfortable for just about everybody except the common man. Naga National workers are running a parallel finance institution, Government of India is enjoying relative peace, state politicians are indulging in minting money. So why bother when the status quo suits all of them. Which – Stakeholder is critical? Almost every group, Tribal organisations, Civil society organisations, administrative agencies, government departments, security forces, academia is neck deep in this situation and protecting their individual turfs. Which many a time works at cross purposes. However, the most critical and wide based stakeholders are the citizens of Nagaland themselves. How do they galvanise into a potent force to enforce the writ over other stakeholders is the important question. It is not easy, but steps have to be taken. One approach is that organisations formed for professional issues come together for this cause, or the Youth organisations form a Core Committee for Resolution of Naga Political Crisis (CCRNPC) or alternatively the Tribal organisations form an effective Naga HoHo which incorporates all existing Tribal organisations. Now which is the agency best suited to initiate and give shape to this process. Amongst the top and effective contenders are the State government or the Church, remember it was the Church which was instrumental in initiating CCNTHCO prior to assembly elections of 2018. Such kind of initiative has to be taken and doggedly pursued lest it meets the same fate of CCNTHCO. When – So when is the solution likely to be a reality? Here it is not the timeline which can be defined but the conditions required which need to be defined. To understand this, it is important to dig down to the core factors blocking the solution. The most important factor which blocks the resolution of this impasse is the perceptions, attitudes and distrust among people which thrives and resides in the domain of intangibles. The key precepts to overcome these are examined. Firstly it is essential to acknowledge that Pragmatism has always unlocked deadlocks and is essential to be practiced by all stakeholders more so by the Naga National groups. Secondly, a one solution fits all may not be a pragmatic approach with no concerted efforts being made for forging unity. Unity amongst tribes and National workers may not be feasible on its own if we let it drift the way it is currently panning out. All these are desirable and essential, but difficult to achieve. This needs to be recognised by us. So when can it happen? Generations pass over for new perceptions to be inculcated and become a way of life. After all, the toughest thing is to get the old thought and ideas out of the mind space. The old guard has to be let down: in the mind space and shaped to be more accommodative. It can be accelerated by giving more exposure, employment to the youth, development of the rural Nagaland while retaining their source of livelihood in empowering them. Lastly as soon as the State government or the Church or any credible organisation raises its hand to be counted as the adhesive which shall galvanise all the people and associated organisations to resolve this crisis, the solution will be near the corner. It is a tough ask but do we have a choice!!!