Now, Delhi says Team Rio must do 'better homework' with NSCN-IM

 Now, Delhi says Team Rio must do 'better homework' with NSCN- 

 Change of Interlocutor is not Solution agenda but Political 

Blogger

New Delhi 

Close on the heels of much awaited meeting between Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Cabinet ministers; the centre on Friday sought to give a crystal clear message that politicians, legislators and state Govt should do their "homework" properly especially with regards to issues related to NSCN-IM. 

 

"The Message is loud and clear and is that they need to do their homework with NSCN-IM," the informed source said.

"Demanding change of Interlocutor is never a Solution agenda.... It is strictly political,' the source said

Rebel leader N Kitovi Zhimomi, who played a key role in formation of NNPG, on Thursday had disapproved move to look for a new interlocutor and said- "Bhat khaisey.. auru Prarthana koribo. (You do not do any prayer after the feast is over)....This is not done".

Kitovi has a point a push such a strong line as not only did the Naga talks started way back in 1997 - 27 years ago, the Govt of India interlocutor R N Ravi in 2015 and 2017 signed two preliminary pacts Framework Agreement (FA) and Agreed Position with the NSCN-IM and NNPG respectively. 

Now sources say the Govt of India line is crystal clear - India will have only one Constitution, One Flag and One Prime Minister.  "These have to be made clear to NSCN-IM... What can be agreed upon has been told to them. The govt. Policy is same either in Nagaland or Jammu and Kashmir".

The NSCN-IM has been insisting for a separate flag and Constitution since 2019.

Secondly, the Govt says - "Negotiators are just messengers or envoys". 

And thus the refrain is " Do not blame R N Ravi or Mishra".  

This implies the negotiators were only discharging their duties on behlaf of the Government and the concerned decision makers in Delhi.

The fact of the matter is Mishra was appointed as centre's new representative to talk to Naga rebels in 2021 after R N Ravi was shunted out as Governor of Nagaland. 

On Friday, mandarins also took the line that Solution has to be "based on Constitution and govt policy". 

"This means any interlocutor cannot offer anything based on his whims and fancies or to become popular among Nagas".

Essentially, the government's mesage is -  "Constitutional propriety and national prestige and Flag have to be protected. All those who take oath of Constitution must uphold that. Rest of the competencies are negotiable".

Sources also say a stand taken by those in office at the pleasure of a Governor of a state that they will work for Naga unification is a bit embarrasing at this juncture.

Agenda of any socio political organisation - covert or overt - cannot become the agenda of the State Govt. 

Such postures may  "add fuel to Manipur fire". There is also an apprehension that some steps and rhetoric may break the delicate understanding between Nagas and Meiteis in Manipur.

Ends