It may be still early hours for celebration, but optimism is back in the air.
All eyes are on NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, but what lies ahead remains hidden in the womb of time.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has convened a consultative meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the Naga political issue and the ongoing peace talks between the “Naga national political organisations and the Government of India” on October 15, at 10 a.m. in the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima.
Finally, the Naga Peace parleys - that began in 1990s - is inching towards a logical end and crucially all northeastern states are on board, says Amit Shah's trusted pointman Himanta Biswa Sarma.
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Apparently, taken aback, NSCN (IM) chairman Q.Tuccu has said that the "Naga people cannot afford to forget the political agreements of 16-Point Agreement and Shillong Accord" and that the onetime potent group would still stick to twin issues of Flag and Yehzabo, a separate Naga Constitution.
Both the demands have been categorically rejected by the Government of India officials who are involved in peace talks for last two months.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, convenor of BJP-headed NEDA, said in Guwahati - "There should be smooth sailing of the Naga issue. The government of India has taken into confidence all the concerned North Eastern states on the issue".
He further said - “Now we know each other’s position clearly and so it is unlikely that there will be an issue among the states in the Northeast".
In October 2019, apparently BJP-led coalition government in Manipur had red-flagged certain portions of 'undisclosed' peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM).
There was 'unrest' in Manipur after 'cease work' stir paralysing the state during last week of October 2019 and these had left the BJP central leadership and especially Union Home Minister Amit Shah irked.
Just as the Naga peace talks had 'entered' the final and crucial stage - Mr Shah had ordered mandarins in his ministry to issue a statement stating that 'no final word' has been said or could be said until the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been consulted. This had happened after Naga leaders including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Leader of the Opposition T R Zeliang have lauded the peace talks and 'decision' to opt for the final accord.
Prior to the developments, Home Minister Shah, who was still BJP president, also held audience with Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh and a delegation of Manipur leaders from various parties.
The Chief Minister had led a delegation of all Manipur political parties and they had presented their views to Mr Shah on "the Naga peace talks and it's impact on Manipur". It was given to understand that known for taking decisive stance and quickly, Mr Shah knew how to bring down the temperature and the angst against the Centre.
Biren Singh enjoys good working relations with Shah thus it did not require much of talking to do and Mr Shah easily grasped the gravity of the matter.
The protest in Manipur had kept at least nine districts - six in valley region inhabited mostly by Meiteis and in three Kuki-inhabited hill districts of Chandel, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi affected.
Since then, Shah has been part of the peace talks between Governor R N Ravi and Naga militant groups and there have been excellent coordination between PMO, NSA Ajit Doval and Shah's office.
Himanta was specifically directed by Shah to talk to all northeastern states - namely Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh so that there is no hiccups once peace talks are given a final shape.
Himanta as convenor NEDA in a tweet on August 5 had stated that he had “received a call from Hon HM Sri @AmitShah to discuss about issues pertaining to enduring peace in #NorthEast... This sets a benchmark for us all...”
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio was also advised to talk to Himanta Sarma in Delhi itself so that things are on track. Meeting between Rio and Himanta was important as the Naga Chief Minister had developed some differences with the Governor R N Ravi on the role of Naga militants in continuing with 'extortion' in Nagaland.
Importantly, in between, new BJP chief J P Nadda dropped onetime powerful party general secretary Ram Madhav, who was understood to enjoy good working rapport with Rio.
After doing the spadework and doing so cautiously, Himanta met press in Guwahati and said: “I strongly feel if Naga leadership wants to sign the accord, this is the right time".
He also "appealed to them that they should sign the agreement and lead Nagaland to a durable solution. The entire North East is looking forward to it".
Of course, answering questions, Sarma clarified that “I have not seen the agreement but we are not negotiating. We are there to ensure that the sailing is smooth".
NSCN (IM), however, still raised the banner of revolt and its chairman Tuccu said - “We have to prove our worth as Nagas by upholding our Flag and Yehzabo,”
Even in August and September, it was given to understand that if necessary, the Modi government would wrap up the two-decade old parleys and sign an accord with Naga groups operating within the state of Nagaland.
Giving confidence to these efforts, NNPG, a conglomeration of seven groups, has already said they are ready to sign the peace agreement.
NNPG convener N Kitovi Zhimomi also in an article had 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....Should we continue to shed blood?,”
However, NSCN (IM) chairman has issued a statement on Tuesday evening saying - “For the Naga people these two issues (Flag and Constitution) stand tall because they symbolize our political and national rights. The Government of India knows the political significance of these issues for the Naga people but come short of giving official recognition to be made a part of the final agreement. This is the crux of the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks and the reason why the going gets tough, leaving the NSCN negotiators with no option but to act tough".
It is not yet clear - what does actually on ground 'act tough' would mean ! Will NSCN (IM) shun the talks completely and give away all the hard work and time spent since 1997.
Do they have a Plan B ? Is it to revive hardcore militancy yet again? Can the Modi government afford such a thing to happen ? In 2015, NSCN (Khaplang) had already moved away from the peace process.
Importantly, from NSCN(IM) perspective, there have been media reports that the 'Sumi national workers' of NSCN (I-M) have resolved to firmly stand and uphold the historic 2015 Framework Agreement and would stick to the right to have separate Naga flag and constitution!
NNPG leadership is with a Sema/Sumi leader N Kitovi Zhimomi and thus things still stand at crossroads!
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| Late Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah |
In the ultimate analysis, how things would turn up - obviously still remains hidden in the womb of time.
ends
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