New Delhi
There are hopes and excitement around. People are expecting Solution to the long pending Naga political problem. But there is skepticism as well.
Can things really materialise according to people's expectations?
A BJP social media campaign is already talking about 'Achhey din...' (Good days) --- 'BJP Bhal din ani asey' in Nagaland. Wow !
In fact, a few recent developments have rekindled hope of an early Solution and more so as elections in Nagaland are due by Feb-March 2023.
 |
| Old clipping - Older missive |
NPF leader Kuzholuzo Azo Neinu also says - the stance taken by the Government of India is to be appreciated as they have decided to allow use of the Naga flag for cultural programmes.
"In fact, the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) or Home Minister (Amit Shah) are willing to visit Nagaland and also hoist the Naga flag for any cultural event. I must appreciate as a regional politician often taking stance against BJP but I can tell you, the Government of India has also gone all out to accommodate the request and demand of Naga leaders," Azo told 'Nagaland Page'.
This sounds too good. On the other hand the NSCN (IM) statement on May 20 asserted that the group is "not opposed to an early solution". The potent group has also convened a key meeting of its 'national assembly' on May 31.
One could not interact directly with any NNPG leader, but it can be safely stated that the umbrella organisation of seven groups is also keeping a close watch on developments unfolding.
 |
| NPF leader Azo |
New NPF legislature party leader Azo was blessed by the recent defection as he has become 'co-chairman of the UDA' and hence a member of the Core Committee.
But Azo giving television interviews and touching on some critical issues leaves one surprised. This astonishment is linked to my inherent cynicism - often given out as our bad habits but source of daily bread in journalism.
Azo has now almost turned out to be the principal spokesman of the Core Committee. He has shed off the record remarks.
This very role was earlier badly handled by UDA chairman and former CM, T R Zeliang. Whether Zeliang, who once had liberally ganged up with Shurhozelie to corner Neiphiu Rio, did some mistakes deliberately is not yet clear.
I interacted with a NDPP leader in Delhi and he also admitted that "enemies are everywhere in
politics".
Mr Azo needs to learn this. The general concern is he should not walk into any trapping. His media
interactions and strong statements that - "The moment the NSCN-IM signed the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement....sealed their fate"... is pretty strong and candid.
It cannot be forgotten that even veteran S C Jamir suggested the same when he said -
all 'agreements' made by the Government of India with both the groups, NSCN(IM) and
NNPG, have to be "incorporated in the Constitution of India".
"....my moot point is in the Naga spirit, I think they (Naga underground leaders)
should adhere to the signature they have appended willingly and knowingly in the agreement," Jamir told this scribe in Delhi.
Azo should keep it in mind that the NSCN (IM) has reacted harshly to Jamir - over what he has been stating and doing in his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
As NPF leader, Azo would do well to understand that on the other side he is dealing with NDPP - another regional party created after the split in the NPF. In fact, NDPP has 'grown stronger' in the present House again by splitting the NPF.
If Jamir has merits and demerits, one should not forget that the person called Neiphiu Rio often shows the craftiness of a shrewd neta - who also worked closely with Jamir.
At this side of the table, a cynical media person is keen for a Solution and would like incumbent Chief Minister Rio and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver it.
Azo should not becom
e a punching bag if all these initiatives fail.
But it also goes that as a 50+ leader Azo can afford to take a few risks, and he is perhaps doing so by considering all pros and cons.
Amid these moments of excitement and hope, my cynicism arose as on Tuesday, May 24, the NPF adopted a resolution where it raised certain pertinent issues.
The resolution said among other things - "....past Agreements and Accords have not produced the desired result which ultimately led to more divisions among Nagas rather than bringing the Nagas together".
Why recall failed Accords etc?
Even the likes of Vamuzo and Shurhozelie have been sharing their cynicism and have spoken against the 16 Point Agreement.
Once during the chief ministership of S C Jamir, Vamuzo, Shurhozelie and K L Chishi had rushed to Kohima Raj Bhawan and submitted a memorandum to Governor O P Sharma pointing out the shortcomings of the 16 Point Agreement.
Governor Sharma reacted mildly in an informal chat when he told me over a breakfast meeting - "well, I am here in office as the state Governor due to the 16 Point Agreement".
During the assembly debate, an angry Jamir shouted at Vamuzo and said - "If he does not agree to the 16 Point Agreement, he (Vamuzo) should not be in this House".
The crux of the issue, things are complex; and the likes of NPF and its new energetic leader Azo should do the tightrope walk.
At the end - one remembers a teaching from the lessons of Karma -- "The Wrong will find you in peace and leave you in pieces; and the Right will find you in pieces and leave you to peace".
The choice is ours and also for the NDPP and NPF.
ends
 |
| NNPG leader Kitovi |
No comments:
Post a Comment