Focus NNPG deliberations: All eyes on NNPG-Civil society meet on Oct 29...Breakthrough likely ?

Optimism is back in the air. Breakthrough likely? But what happens to NSCN (IM)?

However, security has been intensified in Nagaland and parts of Manipur to deal with challenges in case of any fall out of the talks.

The conglomerate of seven Naga militant groups - operating within Nagaland - is set to hold a consultative meeting with tribals leaders and civil society members in Dimapur, Nagaland on Thursday, October 29.

Will this redefine the entire shape of Naga peace talks? Mind you, the NSCN (IM) is out of this.

Notably, the GPRN/NSCN has urged the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to announce the date for signing of the 'Indo-Naga political agreement without any delay'.......

NNPG convener Kitovi: Man and Destiny ? 

So, the news would be coming in November, 2020 ?

In its Joint Council meeting held at Council Headquarter (CHQ), Khehoi Designated Camp on October 26, the Council unanimously endorsed the GPRN/NSCN Collective Leadership to continue strengthening the Working Committee, NNPGs till the Government of India and Nagas sign the negotiated Political Agreement as per the “Agreed Position” 

Representatives from Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), which had disassociated from Naga Hoho, Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (Village Elders' body) and leaders of 14 Tribes are expected to participate at Oct 29 meet.

The Naga Peace talks have reached a turning phase and probably the last leg but NSCN(IM) insistence on Flag and Constitution have stalled the progress.

There is a 'deadlock' and no one is sure who holds the 'key' ! Home Minister Amit Shah is keeping a tab on the developments and is monitoring things.

Recently, he met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio - who admits that 'division' among Nagas is an issue. Shah also met Nagaland opposition leader T R Zeliang (NPF) and urged him to ensure that the NPF and the NDPP-BJP government should on the same page vis-a-vis peace talks.  

The Oct 29 meet is crucial as in August, NNPG convener and Ato Kilonser, N Kitovi Zhimomi, GPRN/NSCN, had said the umbrella organisation is keen to sign any peace pact with the Government of India any time. 

Can he deliver ?

After the 2019 polls, the Prime Minister had given his nod and almost a deadline to sign the agreement with the Naga rebel groups by October 31 last year.

On the other hand, there is an argument that if talks fail, one or two factions of Naga militants 
can revive insurgency with the help of their operatives in China, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

NNPG leader Zhimomi cautions about such a situation too. 

“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?,” the Naga rebel leader said stressing in favour of a lasting solution and peace.

The Govt of India seems to have done the homework well. Lately, stepping up its crackdown against Northeast Indian insurgents, Myanmar army launched ‘Operation Sunrise-3’ at the Indo-Myanmar border. 

Many of the separatist outfits are carrying out insurgency ops !! 

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), led by Yung Aung, is consolidating its position inside Myanmar. Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane went on a two-day visit to Myanmar.