Nagaland may have enhanced military deployment soon

 Nagaland may have enhanced military deployment soon in select pockets

New Delhi

Talks are progressing at its own pace. One version is that negotiations are practically over and 'nothing new' is being added to the fresh or recent conversation. Prime Minister  Narendra Modi himself says - "Efforts are continuing, they are being pursued with all seriousness". 

The Prime Minister's emphasis on the word 'ghambirta (seriousness)' has it's own significance.

A K Mishra, centre's peace emissary, who returned to Delhi after a weeklong stay in Nagaland

and interacting with all stakeholders, is not among the optimistic ones.

Even in Delhi he is continuing consultations either in person or over phone. 

Mishra has been reportedly categorical to NSCN (IM) that there is no question of revisiting the contentious 

issues of Flag and a separate Naga Flag.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is right when he says the ball is in the court of 'stakeholders'.

Therefore, what lies at the most significant stage of talks now is that every stakeholder is bound to

see reason.

On the other hand, the government does not want to leave anything to chance. Security officials and

other analysts met recently and decided to enhance army deployment in some areas.

"There may be enhanced movement of armoured vehicles also," a source said without elaborating further.

Security experts are now trying to assess situations beyond 'talks and solution'. The source said, "all pros and cons are being examined. We do not wish it, but in case there is abrogation of ceasefire, security of life and properties ought to be ensured".

While the Prime Minister is keen to ensure permanent withdrawal of AFSPA, there cannot be any compromise

on safety and security measures too, sources said.

Not to forget that earlier this year, one senior military official had said that maximum extortion takes places 

where AFSPA has been withdrawn.

In terms of peace talks and the stance of NSCN (IM) leadership, the government agencies are taking holistic views

about certain happenings in the past.

First, how much of communism influence or the Naga way of deciding things traditionally are really at work ?

 

True to the mixed approach, around 1998-99, the NSCN(IM) had opposed the Government of India’s move 

for opening the dialogue channels with two other Naga underground factions NSCN (K) and Adino Phizo’s Federal Group (Government) of Nagaland.

But in 2017 when the Centre entered into a new pact with NNPGs - a conglomerate of multiple groups operating 

 within the state of Nagaland', the NSCN (IM) has remained in parleys.

In 2000, it was ironic to see photographs appearing in the media about Muivah being in fetters in Bangkok. This happened three years after 1997 ceasefire.

He had been arrested on January 19, 2000 on the charge of carrying a false South Korean passport after he 

stepped off Thai Airways flight TG 508 on arrival at Bangkok from Karachi.

He was released on bail but was again held on January 30 at the Hay Yai airport on possessing another 

false passport. Muivah allegedly also had 'nexus' with Pakistani elements. So various issues are being examined closely

and nothing would be left to chances.

Some Naga militant cadres could be still hiding in Myanmar or beyond, sources said.

Security would be beefed up in some pockets of Manipur as well.