New Delhi: In the season of country's worst ever health crisis, there is yet some windows of optimism and good news.
This time around, the refreshing 'happy moments' could come from the state of Nagaland - cradled in the wilds of north east.
Informed sources have exuded confidence that things are moving in the right direction and after long 24 years of negotiations and 'peace parleys', a breakthrough may be coming sooner than later.
"It is time for a final push towards attaining acceptable solution," Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said within days after NSCN(IM) top leaders including Thuingaleng Muivah landed in Nagaland and reportedly parked themselves at the Hebron camp.
Of Course, the pandemic storm in Delhi is being given out as chief reason for their travel to Nagaland as there would be 'no meeting' in the national capital between government representatives and the NSCN (IM). But it is being interpreted at certain quarters that Muivah would be able to take advantage of his presence in the camp and interact with his colleagues and cadres.
The Chief Minister told a conference of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on Saturday that the onus is on the "present generation" to secure a solution under the Indian constitution. The NSCN(IM) demands for a separate Flag and Constitution has been categorically rejected by the Centre.
Lately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mandated Home Minister Amit Shah to do the spadework to ensure speedy progress in parleys and also to ensure that all key stakeholders including village elders and all Naga groups are on board.
Nagas have a significant presence in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and thus the centre is also keen to these states are in the loop in the entire process. In October 2019, the final annoucement for a pact was postponed at the instance of Home Minister Shah.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had told Shah that unreasonable demands of the NSCN(IM) vis-a-vis the interests of Meitei and other non-Naga citizens of Manipur should not be jeopardised due to the proposed Naga peace pact.
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On the contentious demand for separate Naga flag and constitution, Rio mentioned that during his meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi, the Chief Minister mentioned that Naga flag could be used for other events except government/official events/buildings. In this regard, he mentioned that the Centre has been holding discussions with legal and constitutional experts on a separate flag.
Some Naga leaders have suggested that Home Minister Amit Shah could be invited to hoist 'Naga flag' for cultural events. This new initiative if materialises is being seen as part of a formula to get to the middle path.
Chief Minister Rio mentioned that the government of India has recognised the unique cultural, traditional and customary practices of Nagas; and that special provisions in the constitution were accorded to protect them.
On the issue of a separate ‘Naga Yehzabo’ (constitution), Rio said it was likely that a panel would be set up post settlement to work out the details democratically.
Even NNPG, the conglomeration of seven Naga groups operating in Nagaland, are keen for an early peace pact and final solution.
In a statement this week, the group said "the days of propaganda have been replaced by hard facts and practical for solution". This could sound critical of the rival group, the NSCN (IM); but it also underlines the urgency or the crying need of a final and long lasting peace pact.
The NNPG also underlined all Naga groups to come together and "forge a path to common future". Coincidentally, the NSCN (IM) has been urged by the centre to be "realistic" in facing the challenge and finding a solution.
NSCN (IM) general secretary Muivah has been specially sent in a message to this effect by the Home Ministry.
Elections are due in Manipur by February-March 2022 along with big states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Any solution to the Naga problem cannot be based on somewhat an undependable 'premise' that a single pact would cure a multitude of socio-political problems.
The solution should be inclusive.
ends
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