It is one of the gory chapters of Nagaland's contemporary history. It is the tragic tale of bloodshed, pain and tears.
In 1979 and around that period ... many Naga rebel leaders were eliminated by 'other rebels' who soon floated a new organisation called the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
Thuingaleng Muivah's visit to Somdal and other places in Manipur has drawn general curiosity factor no doubt. But there is also the other part of the story, Many leaders have now started talking the gory episode of 1979-80 when a number of rebel leaders and comrades were killed in the name of the Shillong Accord.
The Govt cannot ignore all that. During the last few days ... a few agencies have alerted their assets and are trying to take a relook at those who fell victims to the targeted killings during that period.
Analysts say the influence of Marxist-Leninist theory and propaganda vis-a-vis "people's war" or so had left a devastating impact.
One report reaching Delhi has list of the likes of --
Vetelo Chakhesang (killed at Hasik in 1979)
Sgt Maj Tinu Ao, killed at Hasik in 1979
T Venuh Chakhesang, NNC vice president - killed on Nov 27, 1979
Venyyi Rhakho, Tatar - killed on Nov 27, 1979
Mayanger Ao, kilonser - killed at Hasik in Dec 1979
N Lorho Mao, Speaker, Tatar Hoho, killed on Jan 2, 1980
'Lt Col' Vesazo Chakhesang, killed in Dec 1979
The note also adds that all that happened after S S Khaplang had met Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu in May 1979 in Hasik "cradled in the jungles of Heimi region".
The note claims - Khaplang was cooperative with two of his fellow friends and then slowly steps were taken to float the NSCN.
Since 1997 when ceasefire was announced between NSCN-IM and the Govt of India under I K Gulral; over 600 rounds of talks have been held.
However, even today -circa 2025 - not many are optimistic about a solution.
The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) in a statement recently dismissed Muivah's Manipur visit as "empty-handed," and that there is "no reason to glorify an individual who failed the Nagas on all fronts."
Even those who like to believe their instinct and still remain optimistic are growing skeptical that the entire Naga movement has become war-weary.
Not long ago, P Tikhak Naga (NSCN-R) said -- "At the moment the Naga political movement is on a very sticky wicket but nevertheless, we are optimistic that, the Naga leaders will understand and realizes the fact that, they are working for the cause of the Naga people and therefore, they will put the common Naga interest above anything else".
In an interview with the blogger, Tikhak (also a co-convenor of NNPG) said ... "such steps will be the beginning of untying of threads and answers to all the questions and also a possible road to solution".
"In the context of Nagas of Arunachal Pradesh, our people have suffered a lot and perhaps more than any other Nagas. Sometimes there have been atrocities from other people. Those were painful days but we have to move ahead."
Central agencies have maintained that the personal security of Muivah still remains a matter of concern because there are elements in various Naga and northeastern India's groups who lament that Muivah had 'ordered merciless' killings of many prominent leaders in the name of Naga nationalism and sovereignty.
One analyst in the know of things says in the past too attempts were made to suggest or implicate that as the president of NSCN; Khaplang was responsible for the killings carried out in 1979.
In 2019, the Govt of India and NSCN-IM came near signing of the pact when the militant group demanded a separate Naga flag and Constitution for themselves.
The Govt of India has categorically rejected the demand.
In 2023, Home Minister Amit Shah told parliament that there was no scope for a second constitution or two flags in India. He was talking in the context of Jammu and Kashmir but the same logic would apply to other states/provinces too.
Muivah had planned to visit his native village Somdal in 2010 but the Meiteis - Hindu majority of Manipur valley areas opposed it saying such separatist leaders were not welcome. However, this year due to his growing age and failing health - there were no objections to Muivah's visit either from Meiteis or Kukis.
Notably, the Kukis and Meiteis have been in conflict since 2023. In 2001; Nagas and Meiteis had also clashed violently.
But Muivah's speech on Oct 22nd has left people aggrieved. It is also seen as a setback to Team Modi's persuasion skills.
ends
Team pro-Solution : S C Jamir and ex Governor R N Ravi
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