NagaTalks hit roadblock....
#NSCN_IM flays Governor and interlocutor #RNRavi. calls him - "a person with divisive mentality"
However, an influential body - 14 Apex Naga Tribal Hohos of Nagaland backs Ravi and says "....This is not the time for negative campaign".
"In reiteration of our cherished campaign for early solution, we further appeal to the benevolent Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to demonstrate his magnanimity and generously address one the oldest political conflicts with resounding effects in the political history of magnificent India with no intention of change in the interlocutor"
"This is not the time for negative campaign that will delay the process and to engage in endless negotiations to remain in one's comfort zone at the cost of peace and tranquility. It is pertinent at this juncture to avoid double standard role of negotiation without any commitment for solution"
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Muivah on Right and Late chairman of NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu
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Aug 11, 2020 - NSCN (IM) issued a strong statement targeting interlocutor and Nagaland Governor
R N Ravi
NSCN targets Guv and interlocutor RN Ravi but lauds Modi !!
"NSCN is grateful to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi who guided and supervised the signing of the historic Framework Agreement by giving the ceremony a high profile status. But the very doings of his representative Ravi has cast a huge trust deficit as his role has come to be seen as nothing short of disowning the Framework Agreement. NSCN, has, however, gracefully and patiently tolerated Ravi despite his act of profanity. Let truth and sanity prevail to take control of Indo-Naga political negotiations and let God be the judge". ---- NSCN (IM)
..... NSCN IM says: “NEW relationship” strongly indicates outside the purview of Indian Constitution.
When “NEW” is removed there is room for misinterpreting it as under Indian Constitution.
It is a matter of indignation for the Naga people when Ravi went for the perversity as heinsulted the NSCN negotiating team using un-parliamentary language in the official talk stating “this can be understood even by Class VII students that it mean acceptance of the Indian Constitution”.
The worst official talk took place on 30th January, 2020 at Chumukedima,Nagaland.
On the competency that we have submitted he straight away told the NSCN negotiating team that we must have submitted the competency by mistake. He added that it is a stupid and contaminated paper and A to Z he cannot accept unless we rewrite the competency. There would not be any further talk if we do not rewrite and submit the competency he concluded.
NSCN negotiating team cannot forget the unethical deadline given by Ravi to sign the Naga Agreement on or before 31st October, 2019.
Earlier to this in his diatribe against NSCN he said, NSCN has ‘mischievously’ dragged the Framework Agreement and began imputing imaginary contents into it.
In this context NSCN put on record that it never adopted procrastinating attitude as repeatedly slandered by Ravi.
What matters is the contentious issues that has to be sorted out with mutual respect and understanding.
Taking unilateral decision on the timeline is never a part of the negotiation that has travail more than 23 years. Sanctity of the talk must never be sidelined. Ravi is a person with divisive mentality and has applied it to the hilt among the Nagas.
He took the unilateral decision to deviate from what was started by the pioneers of the 2nd Indo-Naga Ceasefire that has taken the peace process this far.
From nowhere Ravi created NNPGs as third party/force against the bilateral talk of the GoI and the NSCN. Ravi used to harp on that issue is one, so there will be one solution. But he signed separate agreement with NNPGs and later used this group to counter weigh the NSCN.
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14 Apex Naga Tribal Hoho statement
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Earlier, Ravi in his seeming openness told NSCN negotiating team that he will not have any parallel talks with NNPGs other than to brief them on the core issues discussed and agreed between GoI and NSCN. In his first meeting with NNPGs he simply said that they have nothing,no proposal at all.
There was an occasion during formal talk when we raised the issue of NNPGs whether it should be included in the final settlement. Ravi replied, “I have got written assurance from them that they would never disturb the talk between us. If they try to disturb our talk I can kick them out”.
“I have asked them to board”.
Now the pertinent question is, what Ravi is going to do with the ‘Agreed Position’ he signed with NNPGs. Ravi in more than one occasion proved himself as a man lacking principle that stands up to his stature as interlocutor to such high profile political dialogue as he committed breach of confidential documents by circulating the doctored Framework Agreement and Competencies to the Naga leaders that he favored after removing a word “NEW” that virtually changed the meaning of a sentence in the Framework Agreement.
He hastens himself to misinform and mislead the GoI as well as Naga people in various platforms by twisting the Framework Agreement. Again, the reason why NSCN have refrained from publishing the FA was respecting the tacit understanding reached between the two sides not to release to the public domain for security reasons of India.
However, Ravi took undue advantage and started modifying and manipulating the FA in his own narratives which began to mislead the Nagas as well as the GoI. Ravi also resorted to fear psychosis to pressurize the NSCN to submission.
He organized military exercises over Naga areas using Indian Air force’s latest aircrafts, deployed heavy security forces with war tanks, directing all Nagaland state security forces to be in their respective stations with rations stock to last for at least two months and directing all state police Special Branch to identify and locate the NSCN members’ residents.
In the Naga political movement it is needless to say that Naga civil organizations played a crucial role in their respective capacities. But Ravi refused to work with Naga apex civil societies like the Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA, NPMHR, etc. He only entertained his “yes men groups” and few selected individuals who are docile enough to serve as his mouthpiece and trumpet in the media.
......There was an occasion when he met the 14 tribes of Nagaland on 18th October, 2019. He told them that Naga integration is ruled out. Such misleading statement on Naga integration created confusion on PAN NAGA HOHO as some tribes refused to support PAN NAGA HOHO if there is not going to be Naga integration.
What has driven Ravi to go for the unthinkable after more than 23 years of fruitful negotiations is now the focusing point of talk in every hearth and street corners. How could Ravi arrogated to himself the power to change the rules/contents of the agreement arbitrarily?
Where is his credibility now? His domineering approach has come to destroy the spirit of gentlemen’s negotiation.
It was against this background that Ravi has set the bridge on fire and the meeting point is something unthinkable. He should have been more sober with the NSCN with whom he has shared the same table for years to find the honorable means to solve the Naga issue. It is comprehensible that person who want to turn the clock back the Naga issue by forcibly making it into “law and order issue” cannot be expected to recapture Naga people’s imagination to bring solution that is honorable and acceptable.
NSCN is grateful to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi who guided and supervised the signing of the historic Framework Agreement by giving the ceremony a high profile status. But the very doings of his representative Ravi has cast a huge trust deficit as his role has come to be seen as nothing short of disowning the Framework Agreement.
NSCN, has, however, gracefully and patiently tolerated Ravi despite his act of profanity. Let truth and sanity prevail to take control of Indo-Naga political negotiations and let God be the judge."
NSCN(IM) statement, Aug 11, 2020
All eyes are on next round of 'Indo-Naga talks' ??
Senior Government of India officials led by senior intelligence official A K Mishra and NSCN
(I-M) leaders led by Thuingaleng Muivah on Monday, Aug 10, held a crucial round of meeting in the national capital, Delhi.
It has been, however, described as informal and formal talks will be held in the presence of interlocutor and Governor R N Ravi, who somehow has earned 'rebuke' and criticism from NSCN (IM) and some influential Naga organisations.
Government of India was represented at Monday's parleys from the Intelligence Bureau-- additional director, A.K. Mishra and joint director (North East), MS Tully.
The talks are being held under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and NSA Ajit Doval and a senior official in PMO are monitoring things. |
Muivah making a point: Aug 10 Delhi Talks
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Hitches over Flag and a demand for a separate Constitution, Home Minister Amit Shah's hospitalisation due to Covid19 and a high number of security force personnel 'testing positive' for Corona in Nagaland are some of the reasons for delay in finalisation of the Naga Peace Talks.
Despite his illness, Shah has been monitoring things and reportedly directed a key BJP leader in Assam to keep the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur in the 'loop' about Centre's keenness to ink a 'lasting and futuristic' peace accord with Naga insurgents.
A crucial and formal meeting between Governor RN Ravi and NSCN (I-M) leaders could not take place on July 17, 2020 as mercurial rebel leader Thuingaleng Muivah had health problems.
The Naga groups have agreed to give up their demands for sovereignty and on its part, the centre is keen for a 'settlement and solution' that would not require the state boundaries to be redrawn. Nagas have strong presence in parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and here comes the role of Amit Shah, the Home Ministry and BJP trouble shooters to take all other states in the region on board.
In 2015, after the Frame Work Agreement inked between NSCN (IM) and centre's interlocutor R N Ravi, Congress leaders in Manipur and Assam including the veteran Tarun Gogoi had raised the bogey of 'Greater Nagaland' and asserted that no 'redrawing' of the boundaries (of Assam and other states) would be accepted. Similarly, in 2019, after intense negotiations as Naga groups reached a broad agreement with GoI, objections from BJP Chief Minister in Manipur, N Biren Singh forced the centre to keep things on hold.
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| Modi providing the 'support' to aging Muivah |
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Kukis, a crucially important but like a 'nomadic tribe' in the northeast as they are found in most parts of northeast region, have now petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought justice vis-a-vis killings of a large number of Kukis.
The community has alleged that over one lakh Kuki people were 'displaced' and numerous killed. In the 1990s, there used to be number of incidents of Kuki-Naga clashes and many people have died.
As the Naga peace talks 'entered' the final and crucial stage in October 2019, Amit Shah had ordered mandarins in his ministry to issue a statement stating that 'no final word' has been said or could be said on the Naga issue until the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been consulted.
The Naga peace parleys were initiated in 1990s and 'formally' began in August 1997 during the stint of I K Gujral as the Prime Minister. On August 3, 2015, the Modi government's negotiator R N Ravi and the NSCN (IM) had inked a Framework Agreement and concluded the 'detailed discussions' in October 2019.
In a major decision to broadbase the talks, on November 17, 2017, the centre signed another pact with six other Naga militant groups - those who came under an umbrella organisation the Naga National Political Group (NNPG). This umbrella organisation's convenor is N. Kitovi Zhimomi and it is understood that he has established a good working relations with Ravi, who is also now the new Governor of the state.
The Modi government is more than keen to ink a pact and herald a new era of Development - the Vikas as Prime Minister keeps insisting - and ensure an atmosphere of an enduring peace.
The Centre is aware of complexities in northeast ethnic divisions and political issues, but apparently the PMO has made it clear that no tantrums or “procrastinating attitude" would be entertained that could further delay the settlement. In fact, August 15 - Independence Day was considered a Red Letter Day to make the major announcement. But circumstances have pushed the clock now beyond August 15; but Prime Minister may indicate something "in a big way" during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort.
"Yesterday I received a call from Hon HM Sri @AmitShah to discuss about issues pertaining to enduring peace in #NorthEast. Despite being in hospital his commitment to work is unwavering. This sets a benchmark for us all. India is proud to have you as Home Minister Sir. Admiration! - tweeted Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Minister on Aug 5.
But to ink a pact seeking to resolve Naga insurgency is easier said than done.
The BJP runs a coalition regime in the state with newly floated NDPP and the incumbent Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is a 'time tested' leader who is in power for long. Rio first became Chief Minister in 2003 ousting the veteran S C Jamir and continued in office till 2014.
Rio had moved to Delhi as state's lone Lok Sabha MP but went back to the state politics in 2018 after battling a touch battle with various forces and braving various permutation and combination.
In his long journey, and to be precised more recently - somehow he seems to have 'antagonised' the state Governor R N Ravi, who enjoys good rapport with PM Modi's trusted aide and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The faultline remains with Raj Bhavan or the Chief Minister's Office is anybody's guess now.
Governor Ravi has taken a hard stance lately and reportedly 'insisted' with the state cabinet to issue an order by which all state government employees were directed to share information with the government about their 'relatives' and other acquaintances role in Naga insurgency.
This was given out as 'profiling' of the government employees and has certainly upset many quarters.
“This move indicates the total lack of understanding of Naga political history and the movement of self determination, which began decades ago with the full participation of almost every Naga family.
To question the credibility and profile their relations with cadres has brought state government employees under scrutiny, which does not bode well for the peace process, because their contribution to the state government is crucial and state government employees have been giving the best of their service for the development and growth of the state," according to influential Naga Mothers' Association.
Apparently, other influential bodies like the Naga Students' Federation and the Naga Hoho too are displeased with the Governor for his reported description of Naga militant groups as "armed gangs".
In Delhi, the line is the Governor could not have worked against the wishes of the central government. In fact, growing reports of extortion and 'cash flow' had upset central agencies and they want the authorities to rein in such activities.
Even anti-terrorism body NIA has been reportedly active in Nagaland and some parts of Manipur lately.
Now all eyes are on next round of talks between NSCN (IM) and the peace interlocutor and Governor R N Ravi.
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Kuki's missive: Can this build pressure on NSCN(IM) ?
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The NSCN (I-M) has reportedly nominated among others Ruichumhao Raising, TT Among Sangtam, Limachuba, Vikiye Sumi, James Albert, W. Vashum, C.H. Kraibo, Meyong Phom and Zarshie Nyuthe.
The NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah is already in Delhi. But the 86-year-old former 'rebel leader' is ailing.
In 2015, Prime Minister himself gave much 'respect' to Muivah and the photograph of Modi extending his hand to support an elderly person walk in for the signing ceremony had left an emotional message. Prime Minister Modi had also made a well thought out and lucidly drafted speech.
"I have travelled to Nagaland on many occasions. I have been deeply impressed by the rich and diverse culture and the unique way of life of the Naga people. It makes not only our nation, but also the world a more beautiful place.
The Naga courage and commitment are legendary. Equally, they represent the highest levels of humanism. Their system of village administration and grass-root democracy should be an inspiration for the rest of the country.
The respect for the infirm and elders, the status of women in society, sensitivity to Mother Nature, and the emphasis on social equality is a natural way of Naga life. These are values that should constitute the foundation of the society that we all seek." --- PM Narendra Modi, Aug 3, 2015
Like any human organisation and movement, different characters have dominated the Naga story of rebellion and bravery. Late Chairman of NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu, who breathed last in 2016, was essentially a man who believed in the power of God and the magical strength of ‘Nagaland For Christ’ slogan. But his general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, the main motivator behind the potent group, has been more of a 'pragmatic rebel' and someone who enlisted military and strategic aid from communists-ruled China.
Those following Naga insurgency would remember that Swu was more guided by the “guidance of Holy Spirit” (courtesy his Facebook posting). Muivah is noted for being a tough nut in negotiations and had said in the past - more than once- “If anybody forces me, I can still go further because I don’t come here to surrender my rights”.
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Incumbent CM Rio and Amit Shah: 'Examining papers'
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But there are various issues with regard Naga insurgency that may not be understood in the mainstream media and even so called 'experts' who get feedback from babudom and once upon a time civil servants and military officials.
On ground, Nagas are still firm about their 'commitment to Naga identity' and all Naga tribes are one in that. The present state of Nagaland has 'respective district' homeland for only 16 tribes while there are more than 50 ethnic groups and distinct Naga tribesmen and women. Hence, the complexity is hardly understood.
Then comes the obvious question - what happens if GoI goes ahead and signs a pact with one or more groups - but leave out a few others.
This is precisely the point perhaps, Chief Minister Rio and his team would urge the Government of India to be careful about. "Please ensure everyone is in the bus".
This is easier said than done and thus there remains the 'fear' of the past. The disgruntled groups or groups left out from the 'peace process' can yet again trigger the crises as was done multiple times in the past.
In fact, NSCN led by Isak Chishi Swu, Khaplang (a Hemi Naga from Myanmar) and Muivah was floated in 1970s after the controversial Shillong Accord.
"We are not beggars.....How can India impose a time-frame on us?" - is one refrain that often comes out as 'response'to August 15, 2020 reported deadline fixed by the Government of India.
Others say there could be 'bloodshed' if NSCN (IM) is left out !
In between comes the demand for replacing R N Ravi as interlocutor. However, Ravi is not that 'unpopular' among Naga people and a section of leaders as well.
The multiple Naga groups under NNPG has said replacing Ravi at this juncture will be like taking the clock back.
The communities like Konyaks, Yimchungurs and Semas are vital as they have immense 'cadre strength'. Can they take help of China and some forces in Myanmar as they did in the 1970s and later in the 1999s?
The central government would be thus needing a leader who can command respect among all major tribes.
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R N Ravi and Modi: Great Expectations
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Another respectable organisation of village elders in the state, the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) has said that making demand for replacing Ravi is unjustified and indicates playing an 'antagonist' role.
It also suggested that 'endless negotiations' to allow some people and sections remain in the comfort zones and 'continue' to exploit the people is like playing double standards (as reported in the media).
This agenda of playing double standards with negotiations without any commitment for solution would be 'self destructive'.
NGBF has appealed to the negotiators to stand committed to the historical process and deliver the long-awaited solution to the people.
Great Expectations time for Nagas, and those who clamour for peace and development in north east.
ends
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Muivah and Late Chairman of NSCN (IM) Swu
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