Two things often become permanent features in all long term negotiations.
Normal interaction and inevitable showdown .... accompany each other due to historical as well as geopolitical reasons. This is what has happened to the fate of Naga peace parleys.
There’s a another way of understanding things. There is a widespread belief that people will wake up to take corrective measures when major disasters affect them directly. The Naga peace talks started in 1997.
The Congress party lost power in 2003 and since then the regionalist Neiphiu Rio is on the driving seat. He lost that position briefly from May 2014 till March 2018 when he opted out of Nagaland politics (read the state political mess) and wanted a comparatively cool life as a lawmaker.
First as a former Chief Minister, he missed any ministerial berth in Delhi and secondly, T R Zeliang and Shurhozelie joined hands to make his life uncomfortable. Those four years of betrayal especially by T R Zeliang has shaken Rio's confidence.
Apparently, now he is unable to trust both his political instinct and also his shadow. He thinks once final Solution peace pact is inked; he would be forgotten.
Secondly; he is unable to display enough political determination to push the NSCN-IM leadership to be pragmatic vis-a-vis the offers made by the centre. Left to him - he would probably work more sincerely for Solution if it is ensured that the emotive 'Naga integration' is brought back on the table. This is also not happening. As a former chief minister and a former Congressman; it would be foolish to believe that Rio is not convinced that two other issues --
* the Naga Constitution and a separate Flag can never be given by any power of authority in Delhi.
So if in December 2025 -- he is seen as someone not delivering the Solution or even not working sincerely for the same - Rio has to blame his luck and also the circumstances he is in.
However, as a politician he has to act. He also has to understand certain basic things that Smart people falsely create the impression of representing the silent majority.
Such a conjecture cannot be good politics for democracy.
As we come to the end of another year and also the first quarter of the new century; Rio needs to reflect that one of the bitter lessons of human History is that
--- often the inevitable does not happen; but the Impossible may happen rather easily.
It is so easy to be non-performing or immature. Rio should come out of this trap.
The true character of a government (like individuals) is more often unveiled in the times of challenges. Nagaland is going through this stage -- now for many months.
An unwritten 'Dark phase' :::
A joke in circulation is .... 'only land' on the globe with 28 Prime Ministers (excluding one record making chief minister) .... and yet there is "unhappiness" -- it's Nagaland.
Yet; there is cash flow, there has been shopping spree, eating out and attending lavish wedding parties even this December.
Moreover; there has been 'annual extortion' too. We do not say Rio is personally responsible for all that. As a matter of fact even BJP's Home Minister in Kohima and all Ato Kilonsers are also responsible. That include NPF chief "favourite" one or two !!
One retired army officer has said a few years back -- "That's real Ram Rajya .... that's Nagaland .... everyone is happy and there is merry making. There is no complaint per se".
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| Dimapur-Kohima - National Highway .... Road to prosperity ? |
But at this end or even from New Delhi's point of view -- if Govt of India wants Solution -- it must display that sincerity.
So much time given and so much rope .... look unwarranted.
The performance by the BJP as a political party vis-a-vis Naga peace talks has been DISASTROUS.
In some sectors in the context of northeast --- one may give them 'Good' remarks when it comes to infra-developments in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Assam. In some other states --- it has been Mediocre.
Mr Amit Shah cannot look the other way when it comes to taking a review of the so-called 'unpopularity' of the state government and the political leaders. In fact; that measurement is in a class of its own.
The elected MLAs and Ministers are not worried that the inability to bring in Solution would affect their respective political/electoral performance in 2028.
This is Nagaland's failure.
The real worry is somewhere else.
In normal politics .... across the globe ....
-- * More often voters turn against Netas and parties.
** Political analysts and leaders themselves often face -- what they in cricket 'bad patches; or out of form.
*** Nothing seems to go right and in the ultimate analysis the Netas may be defeated.
This chapter of Political Science does not apply to Nagaland.
And for this -- who else -- but the 'voters' are to be blamed !!
But the electorate in Nagaland is presumably 'people of principles'.
Performance of Netas do not bother them. 'Boleros' matter ... and hence "if people pay ... votes are guaranteed... No betrayal".
Rahul Gandhi calls electoral menace in the rest of India as 'Vote Chori'. But he should apply his energy now on Vote-Purchase-Sales.
Ask Supongmeren Jamir; he would say in election time - prayers go up and blessings can come down. The year 2024 was his year of Miracle. That Congress under him in Nagaland is still not taken seriously - is his problem; and not God's.
And no Election Commission can handle that.
The NDPP nominee of 2024 polls Chumben Murry -- can easily write a book, titled -- "How prayers fail; and yet I am a good Advisor".
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| The brave creature :::: Overlooking Guwahati |
ends
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