Linking 'Kashmir policy' with Naga issue was a trap : NPMHR

Kohima/New Delhi

The Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) feels a possible solution to the Naga issue was "delayed and missed" the moment the Government of India linked the 2019 new Kashmir policy with Nagaland and the demands from
the Naga underground outfits.

"We have no problem with whatever the Government of India decides about Kashmir...of course, Human Rights abuse concerns us. But as an organization Committed to Naga matters, we say the centre can have a policy of it's own for Jammu and Kashmir," a senior NPMHR leader said.

But he maintained that linking the August 5, 2019 policy to the Naga matters was "not a wise decision".

"To a large extent, the Govt of India is in a trap now ....a trap of it's own creation," he opined. The NPMHR leader says, "As the Govt abrogated Art 370 and took away the Kashmir Flag and Constitution....a message went around deliberately or otherwise that no other state or region can have a separate Flag. Here comes the 'Nagaland 
issue' and thus this linking between Kashmir Policy and Naga issue was not a wise thing to do," he said.

Therefore, he said the real fault line now for delaying the peace talks lies with the central government. 

He also said the 2015 Framework Agreement was a positive outcome after a series of meetings and hard work over the years.

"It did not come just over a chance meeting...Late Vajpayee [the then PM] did his part and took a key political decision when he placed on record the appreciation of "unique history" of Nagas".

But at later stage especially after 2015; things were mishandled deliberately or by blunders of serious dimensions.

"If we have derailed something and if talks have been delayed..all of us have to pay a price," the NPMHR leader said adding, between 2015 and 2017 -- negative elements were at work.

"We have nothing personal...but Governor R N Ravi did his share of mistakes by creating NNPG," he said, "We cannot blame NNPG but it is true that the seven militants groups were also sincere about unity and solution. But Govt of India knew things were not simple," he said.

The NPMHR leader said, "thus we again walked on the path track of the 16 Point Agreement and Shillong Accord. Creation of NNPG divided Nagas".

Answering questions, he said the NPMHR is all for Solution and also earlier solution.

"But let us not lay the foundation of creating another violent and aggressive group with their modern arms and time tested guerrilla warfare," he said in reference to the Shillong Accord and how subsequently the NSCN was created and that had also led to division and split within the NNC.

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Onus more on BJP to deliver Solution, says NSF

Kohima/New Delhi

The BJP is the ruling party in Delhi and is also a partner in the state government; hence the onus is more on the saffron party than any other party to deliver a lasting peace and solution to the Naga issue, says the influential Naga Students' Federation (NSF).

"Quarrels over the spoils of history are not the desired method to serve a solution on the Naga issue," a senior NSF office bearer said commenting on the state of affairs and the manner the political leaders are handling the situation.

He said, as of now it is very much clear that the BJP is in the ruling government in Nagaland and also the key party in power in Delhi. Thus, the onus is on the BJP to deliver peace and solution.

"Moreover, in 2018, more than any other party, it is the BJP which had promised Election for Solution."

Asked to comment whether the NSF also believed that some political elements were out to delay and derail the peace process, the apex students' body said -- in the ultimate what counts more is who is the position to deliver.

"Ultimately we all know Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a BJP leader and is undisputed leader in his party; so it is them who should deliver."

To a question, the NSF leader said in the past many mistakes have been committed including by the Congress parry.

"One Naga leader in the Congress party had said the 16 Point Agreement was one of the "nicest things" to have happened to Nagas. These versions are misleading as in saying these, we know there are attempts to brainwash the Nagas. This is not acceptable," he said.

The students' leader said -- "It had to be understood that there are power-hungry people like in any community who want to push their sell-out sermons on history".

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