"Let us make no mistake" - say some
New Delhi
What has really 'delayed' the Naga peace process especially at the most decisive and the last phase ?
Does Status Quo suit some stakeholders and even a section of Babudom in Delhi?
What should be 'ideally' the roles of an elected state government and state legislators in the entire bargain?
Some of these questions figured prominently at a meeting of NGOs and civil societies in Dimapur on Friday, Nov 18.
The general refrain is in a situation such as these in Nagaland, the democratic and civil voice is of "paramount importance" at both the stages -- pre-Solution and even post-solution scenario.
Next few questions could be: What is the timing for playing 'facilitators'? Does any resignation by an MLA count after everything is worked out between the Centre and underground militants?
So far there is no written statement yet from the participants. The joke is 'Himanta inspired Lahe Lahe kaam choli asey'.
Bravo NDPP's love and dependence on Himanta ?
In 1998-99 when the Vajpayee government was in power, senior officials used to often say one big demerit of the 1997 Naga ceasefire was that it "lacked clear definition".
"There were no written terms and conditions and it was merely based on an understanding....But
worse before announcing the ceasefire as PM I K Gujral never even meet NSCN-IM leaders," the official
had said.
According to reports the Naga People's Action Committee (NPAC) is back in action but at quite a snail
and cautious pace. "Let us not make any mistake...," a key NPAC leader had told this writer in October.
Some civil society leaders are keen to impress upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again that 'delay'
on the Naga peace solution is no longer a sign of 'patience'.
Perhaps -- its weakness; and it could be still revolving around 'cowardice, greed and indecisiveness'.
Of course leaders of Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC),
Nagaland Gaon Burrah Federation, Ex Parliamentarians forum and ACUT examined things
in details.
Apparently, the churning during the debate could identify a few faultlines. One observation
was that while the Naga movement has been a people's movement, it should not be
allowed to be hijacked by a few individuals and some group(s). If someone is taking
the people of Nagaland for a ride -- by throwing up lofty goals and quotable quotes -
It may now be time to say -- pack off.
Insiders suggest the roles of Centre and also the state government headed by Neiphiu Rio
should be 'revisited' in the context of Naga peace talks.
The general diagnosis so far is -- the Govt of India is not showing the much required political will.
PM Narendra Modi is known for his decisiveness and risk-taking approaches but is he being too
cautious on Nagaland?
This 'political will' is not merely casting of votes and counting them.
The Prime Minister now needs to handle things at his level and if some off the record briefing goes on
in Kohima -- things should be taken with a pinch of salt. In other words, 'Kohima players'
should not give the impression that great and serious parleys are on between the centre and a
Kohima-friendly outfit -- when probably nothing much is happening.
The truth of the matter is things are stalled as no Indian PM and the central government can
allow a separate Naga Constitution and Flag. Moreover, any 'tweaking' would violate basic
structure of the Indian Constitution and could be immediately called illegal !
So, we also get a glimpse of what kind of role a section of political leaders in the state are really planning.
The Vajpayee government at the behest of overseas-travel loving interlocutor Padmanabhaiya
had indulged in a flip-flop in 2001 when ceasefire was extended to all Naga inhabited areas.
Manipuris/Meiteis protested and 18 people were killed forcing the NDA government to withdraw
the new clauses.
That was a misadventure and a loss of face too for NDA-1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows
these finer aspects and so hardly any elbow room to commit mistakes.
Hence all precautions and go-slow theory even by India's most decisive and a 'gutsy' Prime Minister.
The reports that the ‘Federal Hoho’ as a concept finding enhanced acceptability in 2022 are encouraging for
Nagas because it essentially enhances the possibility of an early solution.
The civil society should keep persisting pressures. 'March on' must now become a political mission
for NTC, NPAC and friends,
They will certainly have a more crucial role once Solution comes.
ends
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