Is there a change in NSCN(IM) stand? NNPG underlines "waiting period" in Naga peace parleys is over

Big Picture message in Naga Taks, those who don't meet September 2020 deadline will be left out

N Kitovi Zhimomi and other NNPG leaders

In a fast-paced development, the umbrella organisation, the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has categorically stated that - “The official position on Nagas is that the Naga issue must be settled and waiting period is over. The Government of India is preparing necessary steps....While it is the desire of the GOI and the Naga people that there should be only one solution, the Government of India (GoI) will not wait for anyone anymore". 

The reference is perhaps to the NSCN(IM), which still says (in a statement on Sept 11) that the provision for Constitution that "is being negotiated with the GoI" 

A 11-member delegation of the Naga National Political Groups led by its convener, N. Kitovi Zhimomi held a meeting with Governor and Peace Interlocutor R N Ravi at Chumukedima near Dimapur on Thursday and both sides favoured disclosing the competencies of the final Accord with the people.

The media cell of Working Committee of the NNPG has declared that “the defining hour is approaching for announcing honourable and acceptable solution adding both the government of India and WC felt, that “the unity of Nagas at this time is critical.”

“The solution is a Naga solution. It is going to be a people’s solution,” the Working Committee stated.
The WC of NNPG conveyed to the GoI interlocutor RN Ravi that Intangki reserve forest is the 'common property' of all Nagas and it should be restored to its original pristine position.

It cannot, in whatsoever manner, be disturbed post solution.

In response, the Interlocutor reportedly said that Intangki belongs to the people of Nagaland and the GoI have no say in the land and natural resources of the Nagas.

This reference to Intangki reserve forest area is also crucial as in a recent statement, the NNPG was very categorical and said "any agreement that disturb the status quo of pre-Hebron camp establishment at Intangki reserve Forest, and any consideration of any part of  the reserve forest as a bargaining chip for rehabilitation shall not be acceptable at any cost".

The NNPG statement also has said last month that - "in the name of inclusive progress";  there is perhaps a move to seek "permission" from the Government of India "to make Intangki National Reserve Forest and surrounding areas of Hebron camp as their resettlement and rehabilitation area as part of the Indo-Naga political solution".

"Whether constitutionally, historically, legally or otherwise, Intangki Reserve forest is a sacred national property of the tribes of Nagaland."

Are things moving in the right direction? Is there a progress? Is there a change in NSCN(IM) stand?

"Naga Flag is our national and political identity, an inspiration and a covenant between God and Naga people. Nagas cannot bargain the God given rights for anything less than official recognition.
~Maj. (Retd) Hutovi Chishi, Steering Committee, NSCN (IM)

Photo: WeTheNagas Twitter handle

On Sept 11, 2010, the NSCN (IM) in a statement said:

".......the provision for constitution that is being negotiated with the GoI for recognition will be that of the people where after solution, it will be properly drafted by experts, intellectuals and professionals drawn from all walks of life from Nagalim including international constitution drafting experts and legal experts on the basis of the final political agreement made between India and the Nagas".

  

"To all of our people I earnestly appeal once again to be patient and allow the Naga talk team to secure our historical and political rights. 

"Honourable, acceptable and early solution that is inclusive can only be achieved through the basis of Framework Agreement and Competencies being on the verge of completion". 

"While appreciating the genuine concern of the Naga people to know the details of the competencies, we are constraint to inform you that some of the competencies are still under hectic negotiation as you all are aware of. 

Any agreement signed under Indian constitution can be openly published like others do. 

But the Framework Agreement (of 2015) and the competencies being worked out with “outside the box” solution needs caution till its completion. Therefore, we shall surely bring forth before the people in due course of time for wider consultations. 

  

Blogger and an Angami Naga

Importantly, the NSCN (IM) statement comes close on the heels of a 11-member delegation of the Naga National Political Groups led by its convener, N. Kitovi Zhimomi held a meeting with Governor and Peace Interlocutor R N Ravi at Chumukedima near Dimapur. 

Both sides reportedly favoured disclosing the competencies with the people.

Kitovi Zhimomi of NNPG also said in August that the umbrella organisation of seven groups operating within the state of Nagaland are keen to sign a Peace deal at the earliest.

The Government of India has already set the last part of September (2020) as a deadline to end the prolonged peace talks which began formally in 1997 and informally much before that.

Of course, there are issues in the peace parleys also as the potent militant group National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN –IM) has raised banner of protest against the incumbent state Governor R N Ravi. 

The NSCN (IM) had joined the peace process in 1997 and their objection to the ongoing talks which is at final stage in circa 2020 is related to the central government’s categorical rejection of their demand for a separate Flag and Constitution. 

A group of BJP leaders from Nagaland recently met NSCN(IM) chief Thuingaleng Muivah and underlined that there is need to keep the peace process on and not allow the talks derail.

The important point is perhaps a section of 'Nagas from Manipur' perhaps stands 'isolated' in circa 2020 from their brethren in 'the state of Nagaland'. And if so, why and how?

N Kitovi Zhimomi, convener of NNPGs, has said: 

“The general notion that is infused into the Naga Society is that ‘If the talks fail, we go back to jungles’. This is easier said. The resultant of this move would be disastrous to our Naga brothers and their families,” he said. 

“Should we continue to shed blood?,”

In this context, the village elders, the Gaon Bura Federation also has their argument: "God fearing leaders should not insist their words and actions are final in the Naga context". 

Gen Next: Hoping for Peace & Development

ends