As far as Naga peace talks is concerned, it may be right time to reflect on how things progressed in 2019. The Govt of India looked committed and ready for the kill.
In Kashmir, the controversial Article 370 was abrogated on August 5th. In both the Houses of Parliament - Home Minister Amit Shah made spirited statements. But as the much debated Article was abrogated in the north; the centre had moved towards north east.
R N Ravi, the then peace interlocutor and Nagaland Governor, was also doing his part with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in close coordination with NSA Ajit Doval. However, things got stalled and then almost derailed.
R N Ravi with veteran Naga leader S C Jamir
As one reflects on these facts, the other day I was reminded by a social activist in Nagaland on how things had turned 'extremely favourable' for a Solution at the earliest.
The social activist recalls that Ravi had convened a mammoth meeting of tribal bodies, church leaders and civil society. The response was overwhelming as everyone in Nagaland has been clamouring for the final Peace pact and Solution to the vexed Naga political problem.
Taking advantage of the near consensus approach and enthusiasm among all sections of the society; Ravi had requested a church leader and a tribal community leader to read "loud" the Framework Agreement inked on Aug 3, 2015.
My social activist friend says Ravi had done so almost as a surprise act and told the large gathering that "all confusion" about the August 3rd document of 2015 should come to rest by now.
He also said both the initial pacts - the Framework Agreement signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with NSCN-IM and later the Agreed Position signed in 2017 with NNPGs would finally contribute to bring Solution to the Naga issue.
"There was cheer and applause all around.... every Naga was happier that day. We thought we will achieve it at last," recalls the social activist.
Why you do not want to be quoted, I asked my friend. And his response was -
"Six years have gone since 2019. A boy of 14 year-old then is today 20 years. He may listen to me but he has his own mind and he may not listen to me also. Money is the great anarchist in today's world. My voice will not make much sense".
Modi appreciating Nagaland fruit at Assam Rifles unit at Medzhiphema
For a moment I thought, my friend's almost helpless looking voice made a lot of sense.
Talking objectively, one can say if Nagaland state's 'soul' has been actually hurt by constant delay tactics for the Solution and derailing the entire peace process; the state's pocket too was being hurt by not getting the works done on ground on time.
Roads still remain very bad and hence despite being in power since 2018, the BJP in Nagaland will not have anything major to claim in terms of infrastructure.
There has also been failure to compete successfully with other states in the region. Manipur was doing far better before May 2023. Assam is not only away ahead, investors such a Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani would be pumping in much more in months and years to come.
There's another serious factor vis-a-vis delaying the Solution.
The extortion racket has hit commoners and business people worst. Those who had invested in the past are no longer willing to cough out more of their hard and risk-hit earned money. One local (and also non-local) Congress leader Rajesh Seth says he is unable to face his children when it comes to the safety and security of the younger lots.
If such people go away-- the joblessness will take ominous dimension.
But none seems to understand the gravity of the situation. The policy makers are trusting the wrong customer for whatever reasons. Press the panic button, it's must.
Sometimes far from New Delhi means far from the heart.
ends
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