Art 371 (A) a necessary provision
New Delhi
The contentious Pan Naga Hoho reportedly figured more than once at the series of meetings peace emissary A K Mishra has held with Naga groups and key stakeholders during last one week.
The government of India finds it "okay" if the proposed body remains confined to socio-cultural and historical activities. But New Delhi does not favour giving any 'statutory power' to the same as creating any such body with legislative and executive powers would also go against the spirit and certain provisions of the Article 371 (A).
Are some elements not pleased to see a much cherished Article like 371 (A) guaranteed to Nagas of Nagaland?
Mishra, who met NNPG leaders including convener N Kitovi Zhimomi, is likely to meet the leaders and working committee members of the NNPG again.
The NSCN-IM delegation led by V S Atem is camping in Delhi since Sept 19 and has held a series of meetings with Mishra.
Sources say a senior politician associated with a key state-based party has also suggested to underground groups that making Pan Naga Hoho a cultural body would be easier.
"In fact, for such a cultural body there is no need for any approval or formal sanction from the Government of India. The civil society groups and intellectuals can meet and give it a formal shape. In fact, Nagas not only from Indian states but from across the globe can join it," a source said.
A few years back, during the stint of R S Pandey as the chief negotiator as well, it was suggested that membership to a Pan Naga Hoho cultural body could be "strictly voluntary".
"People should not have any negative mindset or doubts about Pan Naga Hoho as at best it could be a voluntary body without any statutory provision," someone in the know of things suggested.
Sources maintained that the parleys are on track and though at a snail pace, things are moving positively. The government of India is more than keen to ensure an early signing of a peace pact.
"The Talks are being held and handled in such a manner that the proposed final peace agreement shall be sole pact and it would also result in a singular and convincing solution," the source added.
The Article 371 of the Indian Constitution is connected to granting special provisions for some states of the Indian Union. Ranging from Article 371-A to Article 371-J, this provision gives special powers/rights for the states of Nagaland, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka.
The main objectives behind the Article 371 granting special provisions to some states are to meet the unique needs of the backward regions of these states, protect the economic and cultural interests.
The Article 371-C – pertains to Special provisions for the state of Manipur. Similarly, Article 371 - G relates to Mizoram and 371-H relates to Arunachal Pradesh.
In 2019 after Art 370 was abrogated, amid apprehensions Home Minister Amit Shah on Aug 6th assured the far-flung northeast region that the Centre has no plans to change or dilute the provisions of Article 371 related to seven states including Nagaland.
''There are clear differences between Article 370 and Artcle 371,'' Mr Shah had said in Lok Sabha.
''By comparing Article 370 with Article 371, you are misleading the country...while Article 370 was a temporary arrangement, the Article 371 which deals with several states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram talks about only special provisions,'' he had said.
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